Geraldine Nutaitis Hirko

1931 - 2022

Geraldine Ann Theresa Nutaitis Hirko, 90, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor of the Hudson section of Plains Twp., passed peacefully into heaven on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, while being cared for by her loving children at her private residence.

Gerry was born Oct. 21, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Helen Arciszewski Nutaitis. Born in Hudson, caring for others was taught at a young age by feeding the homeless passing through Hudson in the boxcars on the D&H Railroad; she embodied this virtue throughout her entire life.

She attended Cotton Avenue Elementary School and was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1949, where she was a majorette. After high school, she worked for Faith Shoe Factory and then for the next 30-plus years at several of the local garment manufacturers throughout the Plains Twp. area.

On May 5, 1951, Gerry married Joseph Hirko and together the couple moved for a short time to Bridgeville, where Gerry worked at Abramovitz Food Store. A short time later, the couple moved back to Hudson to raise their children, Donna, Joseph, Carol and Mark.

Gerry had many interests and hobbies that included attending vaudeville shows as a child, listening to big band or polka orchestras and dancing at Steve's and other local dance halls. She tended to her garden, watched every figure skating event on TV and loved playing board and word games with her family after cooking Sunday and holiday dinners.

Caring for and nurturing everybody was her gift. For her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she would attend as many games and activities as physically able. For family and friends, she would make clothing, bring food, send cards, and phone just to make sure you were "doing well" and to keep in touch. Her favorite phone call (aka "vacation") to make was for your birthday - she would call and play her Happy Birthday Bear in her "best Marilyn Monroe voice." When it came to vacation, she was ready to go wherever someone was going, because vacation meant a trip to visit and be with family or friends. She maintained family member's graves and found time to volunteer to work the polls for several elections over the years or make pierogies at the church. She loved holidays, especially April Fool's Day when she would play jokes on everyone. She ritually dressed in every holiday's theme throughout the year without fail.

Gerry was very religious and lived her faith throughout her life. Whenever possible, she volunteered her time at St. Mary's Byzantine Greek Catholic Church and St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. Gerry was most recently a member of the Parish Community of Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Plains Twp.

She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her loving husband of 64 years, Joseph, in 2015; son, Joseph, in 2019, and her brother, Ernest, in 2009.

Geraldine is survived by her daughters, Donna Reese, Phoenixville; Carol Walkowiak and her husband Clem, Hudson; son, Mark, Hudson; grandsons, Clem Walkowiak; Chris Walkowiak and his wife, Debbie; and Casey Walkowiak; great-grandsons, Christopher Walkowiak, Cody Walkowiak and Jacob Walkowiak.

Gerry will be missed and was loved by many, but to those who know… "she loved you more."

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." – Unknown

The funeral service for Geraldine will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday from Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark St., Plains Twp. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Hudson Road. The Rev. Dennis Grumsey, OFM Conv., cousin, and the Rev. John Lambert, pastor, will co-officiate the services. Friends and family may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Masks are required for all attending visitation, the funeral service, and Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gerry's memory may be given to Our Lady of Angels Province, Provincial House, 12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. (Retired Friars Care).

To send condolences and for directions to services, please visit www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.