Geraldine Rose Andreini Behnke

Geraldine Rose Andreini Behnke Passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009, due to complications from pneumonia at Kaiser Hospital, Hayward. Geri previously resided at All Saints Subacute Respiratory Facility as a result of a car accident in July 2008. Geri was a native San Franciscan who grew up in the Marina District and attended Notre Dame des Victoires, Saint Rose Academy, and City College of San Francisco. She was employed by American Trust and in August of 1950, she married Frederick R. Behnke also a native of San Francisco. In 1954 Dick was posted to Pearl Harbor, HI, where he and Geri lived for two years. Geri had fond memories of Waikiki beach where she and the other wives of naval officers relaxed and enjoyed the sun and empty beach. Upon her husband's discharge from the Navy in 1956, they returned to San Francisco. In 1959 purchased a home in Daly City, where they raised their two daughters. Geri was active in Holy Angels parish where her two daughters attended school. In her later years she worked for the Jefferson Elementary School District in Day Care. Geri was involved in numerous charities that were close to her heart and was passionate in her love of dominoes, which she played in tournaments with her partner and cousin Mencha Clifford. She was dedicated to her garden, which she loved to show off. Geri would occasionally mispronounce words, which caused great amusement to everyone that loved her, but she always was clear where she stood on any issue. She was a proud member of The Olympic Club and always maintained a close relationship with her dear friends from St. Rose and neighbors from Del Prado Drive. Her greatest joy was her four grandchildren. Geri is survived by her two children; daughter Charlene and her husband Michael Ozawa, their four children, Marin, Chelsea, Kenji and Koji; daughter Lynn and her husband Michael O'Callaghan; sisters-in law Judy Ivey and Lois Behnke. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 59 years, Frederick R. Behnke who died on April 14 of this year; parents Arthur Andreini and Bruna Andreini Gaddini; and stepfather Mario Gaddini; brothers-in-law Donald Behnke and William Ivey. Geri leaves behind many friends and family members and will be greatly missed. A special thank you to cousins Joelene and Jorge Aguirre for all their help and support. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 11am, Saturday June 27th, at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City. A private interment will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Anthony's Dining Room, San Francisco.