Geraldine B. Liss is survived by her five children, Daniel, Marianne (James Butler), Susanne, Barbara (Dan Rouse) and Joanne; grandchildren Jennifer, Stephanie (Robert Lopez) and Mandus; great grandchildren Jessica, Marissa and Michelle, and great great grandchildren Athena and Alexander, adopted family Neal, Larry and their father, the late Fred Gironda and many dearly loved nieces, nephews and friends.
Born in Chicago on June 12, 1925, she lived her entire life in the same house, where her focus was always on family, and she drew great solace from her Catholic faith. She enjoyed traveling and reading all through her life, and keeping in touch even with family members who lived far away and were not in the area often.
She was married once, to Michael, who died of a heart attack in the spring of 1967. She then had to go back to work full time to support and finish raising the children. Up until then, she was a full time stay at home mother and wife. She always managed to get up and do what she had to do, and that lesson was ingrained in all her children.
She loved people, music and a good time: dancing at any opportunity, avidly attending musical performances, donning costumes at Halloween, and seizing any opportunity to connect with people. This led her to invite visitors into the family home, like exchange students from other countries, and to write and send cards for all occasions. She was always kind and considerate of others, and well respected in her family, church and community. Her care for others included founding of the St. Pascal Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society to assist those in need.
Her red hair not only helped her be more visible in a crowd, it also drew redhead jokes to her like a magnet, yet she always had a hard time remembering punchlines to jokes. She went from growing up with party line phones to using smart phones and computers, emailing and surfing the web so as not to miss anything or anyone.
Her favorite form of exercise was swimming and that helped keep her agile and flexible well into her old age. She also loved to play card games, and even at 100, she was a sharp competitor, who always liked to say that the only reason to play a game is to win it.
Gerry will be fondly remembered and missed by many.
Services will be held at
St. Pascal Church
3935 N. Melvina Ave., Chicago
Tuesday, 9:30 Wake, followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations to St. Pascal Church/Our Lady of the Rosary Parish (her spiritual home for 100 years). https://www.olrosary.org/
I am sorry I will not be able to attend your services due to a medical appointment that I have but I was honored to be invited to your hundredth birthday party but more than that I was honored to have you in my life. You were so good till I’m late mother Rose, and her twin sister Fran, and their brother-in-law Fred Gironda you will be missed. I will always remember you with fond memories and the great person that you were rest in peace
So very sorry for your loss! Gerry never forgot to send me a birthday card or Christmas card with a note. She was such a sweet person & she will be missed by all her knew her. 🙏🙏
Sincere condolences to Sue and her family!!!!
So sorry to hear of Gerry passing i am saddened by our loss, a beautiful lady, we are so glad she came into our lives. I first meet Gerry when I went to Chicago in the 1970 with my Auntie Annie she made me so welcome. When she came to Dublin we were delighted to meet her again. R.I.P. Gerry
Thank you Margaret. She always remembered you very fondly and looked forward to your visits here.
Marianne
Sue & siblings I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Through Sue, I felt like I had gotten to know her a little. she was an amazing woman, and an inspiration to everyone. I know this is a very tough time for you and my heart goes out to all of you.
So sorry for your loss! I will miss her terribly. She was such a inspiration to me.
Sorry for loss. Sending my condolences to sue and her family. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her
Linda Mueller
I am saddened by our loss, yet grateful as well, rejoicing in a long life beautifully lived.
So sorry for your loss wish I could have been there I will really miss her one of a kind
Thank you to all for your support for Mom throughout her life.
To all Gerry’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren, my sincere condolences. Gerry was an absolutely amazing woman! She went out of her way all the time to help other people. I pray that you will feel her presence with you always! I feel blessed to have called her my friend and fellow Vincentian.
So sorry to here of Gerry’s passing. Sincerest condolences to her daughter Sue and all of her family. That twinkle in her eye will surely be missed.
Rest in peace.
Grace Palmer
Young at Hear club
Sending all my love and prayers to the family of Gerry . She was an incredible woman and was an amazing friend to our Mother Virginia. They are being reunited in the best party in Heaven. Im sorry but my family thought the service was next Tues.
We are so sorry we wont be attending but we are there in spirit and prayer. May she rest in eternal peace and let the gates of Heaven be lined up with her loved ones . Thank you Gerry for being such a good friend to out 0ur Mother. She loved you so dearly.
My sincere sympathy to all who loved and who were touched by Gerry. She had a way of making everyone feel special, and I have always cherished my relationship with her and her faithfulness in sending cards and staying connected. She was always welcoming and such a blessing. Thank you so much for offering the live stream of her service – so special to hear all of the wonderful tributes. I am certain that Aunt Gerry heard, “Well done good and faithful servant” when she entered heaven’s gate. Michelle Graber
My sincere condolence to all of the Liss family. I have always enjoyed our chats and her sound advice about life when we would visit, mostly on her front porch as I walked in the neighborhood. Thoughtful, caring and friendly always. Gerry certainly was a mentor to many. Rest in peace and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Frances Fitzgerald