Gerda Parfomchuk

Gerda Parfomchuk, age 97, of Woburn, MA, formerly of Peabody, MA, and Port Washington, NY, quietly made her exit from this life during the great snowstorm of January 25, 2026. She is survived by her daughter, Ingrid Geis, and son-in-law, Steven Delaney, of Winchester, MA, her grandsons Conor Delaney, of Medford, MA and Ryan Delaney, of Somerville MA, her sister, Edith Henrichs, of Mineola, NY, her sisters-in-law Elfriede Ehrenberg of Burkadroth, Germany and Sonya Kupchak of Hauppauge, NY, and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Elise and Ludwig Ehrenberg, brothers Helmut, Paul, and Siegfried Ehrenberg, sister Liesel Beitzinger, and husbands Kurt Geis and Alexander Parfomchuk.

Gerda was born in Frankfurt, Germany and raised in the small town of Zahlbach. As a sunny, sometimes mischievous girl, she developed friendships that lasted until her passing. In Frankfurt in her twenties, she met and was instantly captivated by Kurt Geis. They married and resided in Germany for several years before emigrating to the United States in the late 1950’s, settling in Port Washington, NY, which would be home for Gerda for over 60 years. Gerda saw the world through rose-colored glasses and was known for her optimism, enthusiasm, her laughter, her hearty bear hugs, and joyful eagerness to sing a song any place, anytime, for anyone and everyone. She loved to garden and was always in awe of nature’s beauty, right down to each flower, pinecone, and autumn leaf. She made her living cleaning houses and catering parties and enjoyed a wide circle of friends. In 1970, she married Alex Parfomchuk. They traveled together widely and sang in the choir at St. Peter’s Church for over two decades.

In 2021, at the age of 93, Gerda moved to Massachusetts to be closer to family. She resided at Brooksby Village in Peabody where she enjoyed a new circle of friends. She loved her neighbors, the Brooksby dining staff, the beautiful courtyard just outside her apartment, and the music programs offered on Tuesday and Friday evenings. She looked forward to singing for fellow residents, and her signature song was Love Me Tender, by Elvis. At age 96, she moved to The Delaney at the Vale, in Woburn, MA, just 10 minutes from family, who visited her daily. She was very lovingly cared for by the Delaney aides, made new friends, and still enjoyed walks through the courtyard and flower and vegetable gardens. She would listen to Ingrid play the piano, enjoy a coffee and a chat with Steven, and relish visits from grandsons Conor and Ryan. Gerda’s family would like to thank the aides and staff of the Delaney at the Vale for all the love and kindness they showed Gerda in her last years as well as the staff of Hands and Hearts Hospice.

There will be two Memorial Services: the first on Saturday, March 28, at 11AM, at Parish of the Epiphany, 70 Church Street, Winchester, MA 01890, and the second on Saturday, April 11, at 11AM, at St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1327 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, NY 11050. Burial will be at a later date and will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens (The Trustees), in North Andover, MA.