Helene Y. Geraci

GERACI, Helene Y., 99, of Tampa, Fla., formerly of Ft. Myers, Fla., entered into rest Thursday, July 21, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, P.A. Geraci; sister, Alice Cecere; and niece, Margaret Gregorie. Survivors include her daughter, Meg “Margherite� Collins of Tampa; son, Richard N. Geraci of Grand Junction, CO; granddaughter, Carli Collins Minacci (Michael) of Tampa; grandson, Trey Collins (Andrea) of Tampa; great grandchildren, Camden and Chase Minacci, and Jackson Collins; sisters, Olga Bischoff (Robert), and Adele Stark; sister-in-law, Kathryn Palmer; friend, Jerry Randle of University Village; and many loving family and friends. Helene was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Italian immigrants, Elvira and Frank Yorio. She made Ft. Myers her home in 1945 when she became the bride of P.A. Geraci. After raising her children she worked as a caseworker for the Red Cross, a Deputy for both the Lee County Property Appraiser and Elections Office, and founded the Geraci Travel Agency with her husband P.A. After Helene's retirement, her volunteer efforts included St. Frances Xavier Church, The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, and The Edison-Ford Estates. In 1985 Helene made a generous donation to Child Care of S.W. Florida to help establish the P.A. Geraci Child Development Center for at- risk children in memory of her husband, long time resident and former Lee County Commissioner, P.A. Geraci. When Helene moved to University Village Retirement Community in Tampa in 2005, she enjoyed her family, made many new friends, and continued her life-long love of Bridge and swimming. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, sister and sister-in-law, aunt and friend to all whose lives she touched. A visitation will take place, 1 -2 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel with a service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment in Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens, Ft. Myers, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the P.A. Geraci Child Development Center, 6831 Palisades Park Court, Ste. 6, Ft. Myers, FL 33912 or to the University Village Employee Scholarship Foundation, 12401 N. 22nd Street, Apt. F-504, Tampa, FL 33612.