It is with profound regret that we have to announce the death on August 27th of our very dear friend and colleague Gesine deVere.
Our twin town of Wertheim, with whom Gesine forged extremely close links, have written this lovely and appropriate tribute to her.
Mourning the loss of Gesine deVere of Huntingdon
The International Partnership Association of Wertheim (IPW) received sad news from the British twin towns of Huntingdon and Godmanchester a few days ago. Gesine deVere passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024 after a serious illness.
Gesine deVere was a defining figure in the twin town relationship between Huntingdon and Wertheim for over two decades and had a significant impact on the relationship between these two cities during this time. Her death leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. It is with sadness and gratitude that the partnership family has to say goodbye to Gesine deVere. For more than 20 years the deceased was chair of the Wertheim chapter of the Huntingdon & Godmanchester Twinning Association. In this role she was the heart and soul of the twin town partnership on the English side. With tireless commitment and a deep passion for German-British friendship, she advocated for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the cities. Her services to town twinning were recognized in 2022 by Mayor Markus Herrera Torrez with the award of the city medal in silver. This award was a token of recognition for her tireless commitment, dedication and outstanding achievements in the service of the friendship between Huntingdon and Wertheim.
Gesine deVere was the driving force behind many initiatives that strengthened the connection between the twin cities. Particularly noteworthy is her commitment to the Business meetings in Wertheim. With great care and attention to detail, she also planned bus trips to Wertheim and the surrounding area, which offered the participants unforgettable impressions and experiences. One of her particular strengths was her ability to bring people together. Gesine deVere looked for and found host families for students and entire groups from Wertheim in Huntingdon and Godmanchester. Whether for the Dertingen music band, the Franconian Heralds Höhefeld, the “Feelings” choir from Wartberg or the Russian Orthodox Church, she planned and accompanied unforgettable stays in Huntingdon and Godmanchester for many groups. She also opened her own house and often made herself available as a host for several weeks in order to promote cultural exchange and forge personal connections.
By founding the group ‘SOcial COnnections’ she created a platform for people in Huntingdon and Godmanchester who were particularly interested in the German twin city. Under her leadership, the group developed into an important part of the town partnership.
Gesine deVere was a woman of action who never put herself in the foreground. She was always available, reliable and worked with great dedication in the background to keep the twin town relationship alive. Her commitment, her humanity and her unselfish nature will never be forgotten. With her death, the partnership family loses an extraordinary personality, whose legacy will live on in the ongoing friendly relationships between Huntingdon and Wertheim. We in Wertheim think of Gesine deVere with sadness and gratitude.
Our thoughts and our deepest sympathy go out to her husband Tim and her son Markus during this difficult time.
May she rest in peace.