Geraldine "Gerry" Serra

Gerry Serra was born July 15, 1926 in Sacramento, CA and on September 15, 2016 passed away in her home of over 70 years while surrounded by her loving family. Gerry was an only child and precious daughter to John Jelacich and Mary Jelacich (Ostoja). John was born in Dalmatia, Yugoslavia on December 27, 1896 and passed away in Sacramento, California on September 12, 1968. Mary was born in Sacramento, California on June 27, 1904 and passed away in Sacramento, California on March 18, 1990. Gerry was married to Clarence L. Serra who was born in Sacramento, California on January 7, 1913 and passed away on November 5, 2006 in Sacramento, California.

On February 8, 1945 Gerry completed her high school education and graduated from Sacramento High School. Prior to marrying Clarence, she worked in retail on K Street, Downtown Sacramento. Gerry and Clarence made a public declaration of their love and commitment to each other as they wed on April 7, 1946. After they married, Gerry worked at the family grocery store, Serra Bros. Market on Franklin Blvd. in South Sacramento. Once Terry was born she only worked there on a part-time, as needed, basis. By the time Mark was born she was a stay at home mom.

Gerry’s primary religious connection was to St. Rose’s Catholic Church on Franklin Blvd. which she attended on a semi-regular basis. She was also a proud member of several organizations such as the American Social Slavic Club, Senior Ladies Bowling League at Alpine Lanes. Her team’s name was the Goof Balls. They, at one time, (at least) were League Champions. Gerry was also a Teacher’s Aide at Collis P. Huntington Elementary School and Leonardo DaVinci Middle School for many years. She too was an Officer in the PTA for Collis P. Huntington Elementary School for many years.

Due to Gerry’s diligence toward her tasks she was awarded for her hard work such as receiving a certificate of praise for her membership on the Drill team at Sacramento High School. She likewise received special commendation for her services as a Teacher’s Aide, but most importantly she received the most satisfaction from being a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a major influence and support in helping to raise her grandchildren Christine, Cynthia and Justin.

Gerry is survived by her sons Terry (Pam) Serra of Elk Grove, California, Mark (Carla) Serra of Sacramento, California and Clarence (Dee) Serra Jr. and their family of Russellville, Arkansas; grandchildren Christine Serra of Rancho Cordova, California, Cynthia (Dana) Serra of Bend, Oregon, Justin Serra of Sacramento, California, Nichole Pilchard of Pokomoke City, Maryland and Michelle Waden of Sacramento, California; great grandchildren Duncan Rabenstein of Bend, Oregon, Tate Rabenstein of Bend, Oregon, Lucas Perryman of Bend, Oregon, Ellie Perryman of Bend, Oregon, Jackson Perryman of Bend, Oregon and Harlee Pilchard of Pokomoke City, Maryland; and her beloved Chocolate Labrador Sally.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Both will take place at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd. Private Interment. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Sutter Hospice, 8334 Ferguson Ave. Sacramento, CA 95828.

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.