Geraldine A. Papp

Geraldine A. (Goff) Papp, 86, of South Bend went home to be with Jesus on Sunday June 29, 2025.
Geraldine (Gerri) was born on February 13, 1939, in South Bend to the late James and Germaine (Richard) Goff.
On October 3, 1959, in Granger she married Emery "Jim" Papp, sharing 48 years of marriage before his passing in 2008.
Gerri worked for over twenty years at River Park Furniture as an Interior Designer where she was able to share her love of decor and her great sense of style. This was reflected in her beautifully decorated home.
Gerri is survived by her sons; Michael Papp, Daniel Papp, Thomas (Melissa)Papp, Timothy (Andrea) Papp, and Jonathan (Megan) Papp as well as 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way) as well as her brother, James (Cynthia) Goff. She is also survived by her high school sweetheart, Denny Maggoli, who she had reconnected with and spent several lovely years together recently.
Gerri was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents, and her siblings; Vicki Kastlie and Douglas Goff.
An innate nurturer, Gerri raised her five boys and the flowers in her gardens with tenderness and love. She will always be known as "Grandma Peanuts" for her care of the neighborhood squirrels. She was an avid bird watcher, always filling up feeders around the yard. Gerri loved to bake and frequently volunteered at Our Lady of Hungary to prepare kieflies and kolache for bake sales. She would frequently be listening to Ole Harv's Blues Revue in the kitchen while making something delicious.
She was the first to offer a kind smile and the last to arrive anywhere, lovingly referred to as "Gerri Time" by family. When you were with her there was a quiet, beautiful love in the simplest of ways; wiping tears, saying good night, sending the birthday wishes, going last, choosing the smallest piece and sending you home with leftovers from the family feast.
A special note of gratitude to The Church Girls who tended to Gerri's daily needs with such loving kindness. A special thank you to Kim, words cannot express our appreciation for your care and love. Thank you to Caring Cove Hospice for always being there and making us feel that Gerri was valued and important.
Visitation for Gerri will be held from 4 pm-7 pm on Monday July 7, 2025, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:30 pm on Tuesday July 8, 2025, at Our Lady of Hungary, 829 W. Calvert St. South Bend. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities Miami Street Food Pantry in South Bend.
Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
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