Obituary of Geraldine Ann Theresa Hirko

Geraldine Ann Theresa Nutaitis Hirko, 90, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor of the Hudson section of Plains passed peacefully into Heaven on Sunday, January 9, 2022, while being cared for by her loving children at her private residence. Gerry was born on October 21, 1931, and was the daughter to the late Benjamin and Helen Arciszewski Nutaitis. Born in Hudson, caring for others was taught at a young age by feeding the homeless passing through Hudson in the boxcars on the D&H Railroad; she embodied this virtue throughout her entire life. She attended Cotton Avenue Elementary School and was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1949, where she was a majorette. After high school, she worked for Faith Shoe Factory and then for the next thirty plus years at several of the local garment manufacturers throughout the Plains area. On May 5, 1951, Gerry married Joseph Hirko and together the couple moved for a short time to Bridgeville, PA, where Gerry worked at Abramovitz Food Store. A short time later, the couple moved back to Hudson to raise their children: Donna, Joseph, Carol and Mark. Gerry had many interests and hobbies that included attending Vaudeville shows as a child, listening to big band or polka orchestras and dancing at Steve’s and other local dance halls. She tended to her garden, watched every figure skating event on TV and loved playing board and word games with her family after cooking Sunday/Holiday dinners. But caring for and nurturing everybody was her gift. For her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she would attend as many games and activities as physically able. For family and friends, she would make clothing, bring food, send cards, and phone just to make sure you were “doing well” and to keep in touch. Her favorite phone call (aka “vacation”) to make was for your birthday – she would call and play her Happy Birthday Bear in her “best Marilyn Monroe voice”. When it came to vacation, she was ready to go where ever someone was going, because vacation meant a trip to visit/be with family or friends. She maintained family member’s graves and found time to volunteer to work the polls for several elections over the years or make pierogies at the church. She loved holidays, especially April Fool’s Day when she would play jokes on everyone. She ritually dressed in every holiday’s theme throughout the year without fail. Gerry was very religious and lived her faith throughout her life. Whenever possible, she volunteered her time at St. Mary’s Byzantine Greek Catholic Church and St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. Gerry was a current member of the Parish Community of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Plains. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of sixty-four years, Joseph, 2015; son Joseph, 2019, and her brother Ernest, 2009. Geraldine is survived by her daughters Donna Reese, Phoenixville, Carol Walkowiak and her husband Clem, Hudson; son Mark, Hudson; grandsons Clem Walkowiak, Chris Walkowiak and his wife Debbie, and Casey Walkowiak; great-grandsons Christopher Walkowiak, Cody Walkowiak, and Jacob Walkowiak. Gerry will be missed and was loved by many, but to those who know…”she loved you more”. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal” – Unknown Funeral Service for Geraldine will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Hudson Road. Fr. Dennis Grumsey, OFM Conv. (cousin) and Rev. John Lambert, Pastor, will co-officiate the services. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gerry’s memory can be given to Our Lady of Angels Province, Provincial House, 12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. (Retired Friars Care) For online condolences and for directions to services, please visit www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com. Masks are required for all attending visitation, funeral service, and mass service.