Geraldine H. Colombo

Geraldine Nowak Colombo peacefully passed away on December 13, 2022 at the age of 93.  Geraldine “Gerry” was born March 13, 1929 in Detroit to Celia (Arcznski) and Edward Nowak.  She was a twin to her sister Lorraine (Capaldi – deceased).  She also had a brother Art (deceased) and an older sister Dolly (deceased).  Gerry and her siblings attended St. Josaphat Catholic School in Hamtramck, Michigan.  She loved to swim, play tennis, read and go to big family picnics.

   Gerry met her husband Joe (deceased) while they were both working at Michigan Bell in Detroit.  They were married in January, 1950 and had eight children; son Joe (deceased, married to Pam of Auburn Hills, Michigan); son Jim (married to Therry of Bellaire, Michigan); son Dan (engaged to Nancy of White Lake, Michigan); son Paul (of Escondido, California); son David (of La Mesa, California); daughter Carol (married to Mike Lessard of Yoder, Wyoming); daughter Kathy (deceased) and son John (married to Nanci of Pocatello, Idaho). Grandma Gerry has 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

   Gerry and Joe were active members at St. Mary’s in Royal Oak, Michigan where six of her children attended St. Mary’s parochial school and two attended public school.  Gerry was involved with the Catholic Church throughout her entire life.  She and Joe retired in 1988 and made their home in Bellaire, Michigan.  They attended St. Luke’s church in Bellaire.

   Gerry loved spending summer vacations on Elk Lake camping with her family of ten in tent and cooking all their meals over an open fire.  She loved to cook, bake and entertain with her fine china and to visit with family and friends on the front porch of their Bellaire home.  Gerry and Joe were faithful in taking care of their daughter, Kathy, who lived with them until Kathy died at 55 years of age.  Gerry loved to swim in Lake Bellaire.  She loved to watch the beauty of Michigan winters with the “trees glistening with snow.”

  No services are planned.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to be made to ProMedica Hospice Office, 4000 Eastern Sky Dr., Suite 2, Traverse City, MI 49684 or a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.  The family also extends their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at the Eden Center Memory Care Unit for their compassionate care.

   Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.