Catherine "Geraldine" Enright

Her family is mourning the loss of such an innocent, kind and joyful person, one who gave love easily to all she knew.

Geraldine was born on September 23, 1948, in Askeaton, Co. Limerick, Ireland, the second child of Michael and Esther Enright (nee O’Sullivan). She lacked oxygen at birth and hence could never reach her intellectual potential, but that never stopped her from living a life of deep meaning and worth.

During her childhood, she liked to play with her older brother, Michael, in the front garden of their home and watch her grandfather plough the field with his horse, Tom. She delighted in being in charge of the family’s Rhode Island Red chickens. When she was six years old, she immigrated with her family to the United States and was the only one to survive the turbulent flight without getting sick. She spent the rest of her life in Michigan. Growing up in Detroit, she liked visiting Belle Isle and Chandler Park, where she played on the swings and was pushed in a buggy by her older brother. She also enjoyed skipping rope with her friends and playing with her younger sister, Delia.

Her devoted parents took care of her through the years, taking her on vacations, including to Niagara Falls, going for long walks around the neighborhood and making sure she had everything she needed. When they passed away in the mid-90s, Geraldine’s younger sister stepped in to manage her care. In 1996, Geraldine moved into a lovely house with fellow residents like her, where she lived for the next 23 years. She had so many new experiences there, including friendships, dances, concerts (including Paul McCartney!), art projects, a trip to SeaWorld with her housemates, and her “job” at the Salvation Army, of which she was so proud. She was cared for by many wonderful staff members there—most of all by the home’s former director, Marisa Mason, who loved her dearly and was a fierce advocate for her.

Through all of those years, Geraldine maintained very close relationships with her beloved family members, including her sister and her niece, Maureen Verma (nee McKinney), who delighted in their weekly calls and letters and looked so forward to their visits and dinners out. She also loved receiving cards and gifts from her brother and flowers from her nephew, Eddy.

In September 2019, Geraldine’s sister and niece made the hard decision to move her to ShorePointe Health & Rehabilitation Center. Not surprisingly, Geraldine, who had always been the most positive and adaptable member of her family, loved it there. She enjoyed playing bingo, petting visiting dogs, eating in the dining room, having nightly bowls of ice cream, watching Law and Order on her TV, making friends with the staff, and most of all, having her very own phone for the first time in her life. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly limited her activities and visits from family over the past year and although we were hoping and praying that she would get to enjoy her normal life once again, it was not to be.

Geraldine’s life was a wonderful example to all of us. She gave affection easily. She was relentlessly upbeat and cheerful. She took great joy in simple pleasures, like a good movie, a cup of tea, a Beatles’ song, a plate of fish and chips, or time with her grand-nieces, Maggie and Lulu. We take great comfort in knowing that she is with her parents in heaven, but we will miss her very dearly.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Esther. She is survived by her brother, Michael (Gi-Un); her sister, Delia; her niece, Maureen (Neil); her nephew Edward (Breana); her grand-nieces, Maggie and Lulu Verma; and many friends.

A memorial visitation will take place in the future.

Fond memories and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.KaulFuneralHome.com