Support Noah's Future in Memory of Elizabeth Gerling

Hello, my name is Karyn Burns Gerling and I had the honor and privilege to have Beth (Liz) Gerling as my beloved sister-in-law.

On Tuesday, August 20th, we lost our beautiful shining light Beth. Beth (or Liz or Ms. Gerling as she was known by her Utica/Columbus Elementary community) was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, educator, friend and ray of light to everyone around her. Her nearly 25 years as an educator allowed her magic and impact to be felt by thousands upon thousands of students. While we are heartbroken to not have her here on Earth with us any longer, Ms. Gerling's legacy will live on forever, by way of the thousands of students she taught, mentored, adored, cared for and loved with her big heart, giant smile, deep laugh and twinkle in her eye that we all cherished.

For those who were blessed to have Beth in their life, you know that her greatest achievement and absolute love of her life was her son Noah. While Beth's warmth and light was always present, it was never greater than when she was speaking of or in the presence of her pride and joy Noah. With the outpouring of support and asks of how people can support Noah, I am honored to be facilitating this GoFundMe as a means to honor Beth by supporting Noah and his future through a college trust. Funds raised in this effort will continue to honor Beth by supporting Noah with his college and future expenses and academic pathway as his continues his studies at Cornell University.

For those who wish to, please share a note below about a memory, laugh or moment treasured by you and yours with our sweet Beth. We will compile them at a later date for Noah to treasure and be able to reach for and see the many lives his incredible Mother touched for years to come.

Lastly, on behalf of Steve, Diann, Dan, Brian and Noah, I want to extend the Gerling family's deep gratitude for the outpouring of support love and prayers sent during this terrible time. Please continue to keep both the Gerling family and her Columbus/Utica family and our sweet angel Beth in your thoughts and prayers.

We love you, Beth, Liz, Ms. Gerling.

In gratitude,

Karyn Burns-Gerling

with Judi Moore (friend of Beth)

Lianne Nimey (teacher and friend of Liz at Columbus)

Julie Dybacz (friend of Liz)

Tina Pawloski (childhood/lifetime friend of Beth)