Geraldine Mary Woytowitz

Geraldine Mary Woytowitz, a woman of boundless energy, deep faith, and the heart of her family, passed away on December 26, 2025, at the age of 87. She departed the day after her favorite holiday, surrounded by the family she spent her life nurturing and celebrating.

Born on December 11, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, Geraldine was the daughter of John and Geraldine Kresslein. She grew up in a lively row house with her three brothers, a childhood that prepared her for a lifetime of welcoming everyone she met into her heart.

While Geraldine was a dedicated hospital nurse for 49 years, her care extended far beyond the ward. To Gerry, nursing was a life philosophy; she cared for people’s hearts and relationships as tenderly as she did their physical health. She functioned as "The Nurse" for a large extended family and a broad assemblage of friends, providing a safe harbor for everyone she met. Whether offering guidance on breastfeeding, sore throats, or the complexities of cancer—she frequently called her physician son to verify her advice to ensure she was providing the very best care. She possessed a rare gift for listening and a heart that soothed.

Her professional accomplishments aside, Geraldine’s true vocation was her children and grandchildren. She was the family’s gravity, the reason they stayed close and in constant touch. Geraldine would drop everything to be exactly where she was needed—traveling as far as Peru for a child's wedding and a grandson's baptism. Whether it was leading Cub Scout troops for her sons, helping with school projects, or traveling for every milestone, she never missed a moment to "show up." Gerry lived with a legendary sense of "FOMO"—a true fear of missing out on any family moment—which meant she was always the first one to arrive and the very last one to leave. She was her family’s greatest advocate, often found on the sidelines of sporting events, cheering louder than anyone else.

Long before the era of smartphones, Geraldine was never without her camera. Whether the flash was ready or the film was low, her "process" was a beloved part of the fun; she always eventually captured the perfect picture. This was especially true during sleepovers, where she would have her grandchildren "model" as they changed clothes, snapping photos of every outfit like they were on a runway. She led with a joyful presence, whether she was down on the floor reading a book, playing in the sand, or climbing high onto outdoor playsets to keep up with her grandkids. She didn't just embrace her own children but wholeheartedly folded their spouses and their entire families into her life; this unconditional love made everyone feel like a natural and cherished part of her own family.

Her hospitality was legendary. At the family’s Ocean City mobile home, she once hosted 15 people, happily giving up her own bed for her guest’s comfort. Any visitor to her house was made to feel genuinely welcome. This open-door policy was best seen at her infamous Super Bowl parties, where she invited neighbors, coworkers, and friends from all over, cooking massive, themed feasts that were different every year. In the kitchen, she was the ultimate provider, always cooking everyone's favorites and ensuring there were plenty of options for the picky eaters. In her later years, she loved nothing more than eating crabs on her deck in Ocean City, playing card games like "Oh, Hell!", or taking up golf just to spend more time with her husband.

The heart of Geraldine’s year was Christmas. She was the architect of every holiday memory, hosting cookie-baking sessions that spanned four generations. To this day, her children continue the tradition of baking her favorite butter cookies with jelly. Her holiday spirit was renowned; she shopped all year long to ensure she had the perfect gift for everyone. Her gift closet was so well-stocked that it often became a "last-minute shop" for her children to find gifts for one another, and a treasure trove for grandchildren during sleepovers. During the main event, she often—to the delight of everyone present—handed the right presents to the wrong people, creating a cherished family tradition of laughter.

Geraldine is survived by her husband, Donald V. Woytowitz, SR, brother, Dennis Kresslein; and her four children: Donald V. Woytowitz, Jr., MD (Karen); Jeanne Robinson (Steve); David Woytowitz (Julie); and Matthew Woytowitz (Mariloli). She was the proud grandmother of: Amanda Telthorst (Tyler), Stephanie Robinson, Nicholas Woytowitz, Emily Patterson (Eric), James Woytowitz (fiancée Madison), DJ Woytowitz, Chase Woytowitz, Alexander Woytowitz, and Catalina Woytowitz. She was the doting great-grandmother of True and Josephine. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jack Kresslein and Bobby Kresslein; and her beloved grandson, Donald V. Woytowitz, III.

Geraldine’s legacy of warmth, sacrifice, and unconditional love will be cherished forever. Her family finds peace knowing she lived a life with no regrets and never missed a single chance to bring the people she loved together.

A Funeral Service will be held on January 16, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 12319 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20904. Visitation will immediately follow at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20904, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Geraldine will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.