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Geralyn Kolakowski
Geralyn Kolakowski
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Geralyn Kolakowski Obituary
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Geralyn was a woman of resilience, grace, and quiet strength. She graduated from Ida High School in 1969, was a proud graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, earned her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado, and continued her academic journey at Harvard University in Boston. Her lifelong commitment to learning was matched only by her generosity of spirit and her gift for uplifting others with wisdom, warmth, and kindness.
Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis around the age of 40, Geralyn met life's challenges with courage and dignity. She never let her diagnosis define her – she lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired everyone around her with her compassion, humor, and unwavering optimism.
She was the beloved daughter of Chester and Anna Kolakowski and is survived by her brother Rodney (Peggy) Kolakowski of Ida, her sister Penny (Chuck) Daniels of St. Louis, MO, 8 nieces/nephews, 16 great-nieces/nephews, and 2 great-great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Susan, and her nephews Scott Bastien and Bryan Hastings.
Geralyn's legacy lives on in every life she touched. We invite you to come as you are, bring a memory, and celebrate the remarkable woman she was.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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8216 Ida West Rd, Ida, MI 48140
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