Honey Gfroerer

GFROERER (Hurley),

Honey

There are a few among us, very few, who have an immediate and lasting impact on everyone they meet. Honey Hurley Gfroerer of Atlanta, GA, who passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024 at the age of 88, was one of these rare gems. She was truly the embodiment of empathetic love.

Honey grew up with two dear sisters in River Forest, IL, and went to college at St. Mary's of Notre Dame, earning a degree in elementary education. While teaching, she soon met the love of her life George, from Oak Park, and they married later that year. Honey and George had five children: Marne (Lee) Matthews, Gaylan (Bryan) Felton, Giff (Aly), Tim (Alison Edmiston), and Terry (Kelly) Gfroerer. Honey felt tremendous pride and joy in parenting and she was especially grateful for the gift of ten grandchildren: McKay (Sarah Alice) Matthews, Leah (Skyler) Nikolas, James and Neil Ryden, Bern Shen, and Quint, Colie, Bryce, Riley, and Morgan Gfroerer; plus two great-grandchildren, Murph and Walt with recent excitement for more to come. When the grandkids were young, they eagerly spent time with their dedicated and fun-loving Grammie and Poppa. As the grandkids grew older, they learned what their parents knew: Grammie was also a brilliant fountain of support, encouragement, and wise counsel. Whether in need of sage advice or a powerful confidence boost, family and friends all knew who to call!

Inspired by profound faith and charity, Honey welcomed unwed mothers, foster children, and international refugees into her home. When her beloved nest emptied, Honey returned to school, earning a master's degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University of New Orleans and launching her next career as a social worker for Fulton County's Department of Family and Children Services. In this assignment, Honey went into shelters and helped homeless families secure housing and get back on their feet. She cherished this job and the extraordinary opportunities to love and serve others every moment of the working day. Honey made friends instantly and was adored by her colleagues and clients – she wanted to know your name, your path, and your dreams so she could cheer your journey. She always made those around her feel like the most precious souls in the world.

Honey was a devout Catholic and served in many church-related roles throughout her life, including the Stephen Ministries and Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist at Mass and for the sick at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Her love was so abundant, she shined like the sun, brightening every life she touched. The warm light she shared still glows in each of us today. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cathedral of Christ the King, in Atlanta, on December 6, at 10:00 AM, with a reception following. For those who cannot attend in-person, the service will be live streamed: https://cathedralctk.com/livestream/. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Catholic Charities Atlanta (https://catholiccharitiesatlanta.org/donate/) 2401 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 or Cathedral of Christ the King.