Geraldine "Gerry" M. Sternal

Geraldine M. "Gerry" Sternal, 86, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on November 14, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She was born April 21, 1939, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Leo and Anna Nowicki.

Her parents, Leo and Anna Nowicki did not know what Gerry would do next. She once mixed sugar and salt together in the shaker. Her love for sweets knew no bounds; when left alone, she ate all the frosting off a First Communion cake before others saw it.

After high school, Gerry became a Lab Technician. It was there, she walked into a room and saw a guy wearing Mickey Mouse ears. Sparks flew and she knew she had met her mate. Gerry married Thomas Sternal on December 1, 1962.

Both had a spirit of wanderlust, Tom left the reserves and joined the United States Army full time. The first stop was Germany for three years, and had the privilege to spend a year in Italy, where they celebrated Midnight Mass at the Vatican with the Pope.

Gerry was an excellent seamstress, knitted, cooked incredible meals, and set a beautiful table; she even knitted Tom's argyle socks.

Next stop, Texas, where she found her true calling when she became a mother. Their daughter, Sheryl, was born with Down Syndrome and her new mission in life was to find the best training and education she could possibly give.

The family moved to several Army Posts and melded into their surroudings. It was in San Francisco where she met her next love, lattes.

In Fort Wayne, she joined many activities, including, with the parish, cards with friends, and was an active member of DSAIA, Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, a group for Down's activities.

To say Gerry was an anomaly paints the picture of her life. In everything she did, she wanted perfection. Perfect describes the story of her life.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 am, November 24, 2025 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E Wallen Rd, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Center For Life Transitions, which provides personal assistance, habilitation and care for Sheryl, and other young adults with disabilities.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Sternal family.