Geraldine Doyle

Geraldine (Hoff) Doyle, 86, of Lansing, died December 26 at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Geraldine was born July 31, 1924, in Inkster, Michigan, to Cornelius and Augusta Hoff. Her sister Virginia Watson and brother Clifford Hoff survive her. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo H. Doyle; her son, Gary Doyle; her brother, Donald Hoff; and her son-in-law, Charles Drewes.

Geraldine loved music and played the cello. She had a beautiful voice and soloed with bands in the early 1940s. After graduation from Ann Arbor High School, she worked briefly at a factory pressing metal as a replacement worker for men serving in WWII. A wire photographer took photos of her at work. These were re-imagined by graphic artist J. Howard Miller for the Westinghouse War Production Coordinating Committee and became the face on the iconic "We Can Do It!" poster and WWII US postage stamp series.

She married Leo H. Doyle on October 23, 1943, in Ann Arbor. They raised six children and worked together in Leo's dental practice before retiring in 1999.

Geraldine was active in the community organizing creative fund-raisers for various organizations. Throughout her life, she cultivated beauty in her home, gardens, and wardrobe. She encouraged creativity and using one's imagination. She enjoyed teaching her children and grandchildren ice-skating, cross-country skiing, swimming, and canoeing.

Geraldine is survived by her four daughters: Stephanie (John) Gregg, Jacqueline (Charles) Drewes, Deidre Doyle, and Lauretta (Barry Frechette) Doyle, and her son Brian (Margie) Doyle. Geraldine was the proud and loving grandmother of 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by family members across the country and around the world.

Services for Mrs. Doyle will be at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing, on Saturday, January 8, 2011. The family will receive friends and guests 3 - 4 p.m. with a memorial celebrating her life at 4 p.m. Donations may be made in Geraldine's name to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan to continue the compassionate care provided there.

Friends may visit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com.