Geraldine Stiegart

1933 - 2017

Geraldine Carol "Gerry" Stiegart (nee Alexander), age 84, was born into eternal life on Friday, May 19, 2017. She was a 60 year resident of Naperville, Illinois and was born on March 20, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to her parents, Walter and Marie Alexander. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Fredrick (Fred) Charles Stiegart, adored by her three children Cheryl Stiegart (Greg) Locke, Karen Stiegart Koller and Thomas (Kathy) Stiegart, a Nana to twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and "Aunt Gerry" to many more. She is preceded in death by her parents and many loving friends. Gerry was a devoted Catholic and a lay Carmelite of the Professed Third Order. She was a parishioner of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Naperville, where she was a member of the Young at Heart Club. Additionally, she was a participant and fan of the arts, attending several performances throughout her years at both the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and American Legion Hall dances. She also was an eager gardener and nature lover. A talented artist and member of the Naperville Art League, Gerry specialized in oil still lifes and landscapes. Her favorite subjects included floral arrangements and western landscapes from her numerous travels across the continent with her family. During her youth, she was an avid equestrian and passionate about ballet, piano and the culinary arts. She attended Tonti Elementary School and Gage Park High School where she was the honored valedictorian and voted "most reserved." She was also awarded with a full scholarship to the Art Institute in Chicago. Gerry worked at Western Electric as a draftsperson after completing her high school education where she met Fred. She was a supportive parent and grandparent, fueling passions no matter the subject-whether art, education, homemaking, pets or automobiles. She also volunteered as a teacher's aide for several years at Elmwood Elementary in Naperville. She leaves behind her deep devotion to her family, an example of unfaltering faith and perseverance during times of hardship, and her kindness for everyone she encountered along life's journey. Visitation Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will begin Wednesday, May 24, 10:30 AM from the funeral home and will proceed to an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Ministry Center, 36 N Ellsworth St, Naperville. Interment: SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry's memory may be made to: The National Shrine of St. Therese, 8501 Bailey Rd., Darien, IL 60561, (630) 969-3311 (Shrine Office) or (800) 647-1430, saint-therese.org For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com