Geraldine Rosemary Ongirski was born in Philadelphia, PA to John Patrick Galligan and Margaret Betz Galligan on October 7th, 1930 and departed this life on November 27th, 2022 at her home in Cary, North Carolina. All of her children were present holding her hands and praying during her final moment.
With a warm and welcoming smile, Geraldine was the most loving person and mother. Her life was first and foremost devoted to her family. She took pride in her children as well as her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Our mother was the glue that kept us all together and delivered all of our families’ news and triumphs. If you wanted to share a story all you had to do was tell Mom and she’d keep everyone informed.
Our mother was an extremely devout Roman Catholic and watched the Mass and said the Rosary every single day. Mom was especially dedicated to the Blessed Mother and The Miraculous Medal. She was proud of her Irish heritage. She loved to sing and danced the Irish jig. She was an only child but had lots of cousins whom she was very close to.
She went by the name “Gerri” and grew up in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia going to Nativity grammar school and Little Flower High School (class of 1948). She was married in 1953 and had 6 children. She worked for many years for Farm Journal Magazine as executive assistant to the Publisher. Mom was active at Saint Timothy’s (Philadelphia) singing in the choir and belonged to the “Golden Gems” After her move to North Carolina; she became a Eucharistic Minister, Sponsor for adult Baptisms, and volunteered in the Saint Michael’s office. Gerri had an active group of friends participating in many senior social activities including travel, theater, and adult education. She loved to knit and spent many hours on her iPad searching for new recipes to try.
As Geraldine’s soul now travels forward to be with her heavenly family members, she leaves here on earth to cherish her memories: son John Galligan, daughter, Diane (Bob) Meyer, daughter, Marianne (Rob) Bowe, son, Richard (Sue) Ongirski, son, Raymond Ongirski, and daughter, Marjorie (Charlie) Dilkes. Missing their grandmother is Nicholas, Laura, Justin, Amanda, Evan, Elise, Matt, Erica, Jeffrey, Meghan, and Caroline as well as great-grandchildren Christopher, Joshua, Aubrey, Ashley, and new born Ruby.
Geraldine’s warm and welcoming smile will be missed; however, her loving spirit will remain in the hearts of all who adored and loved her. Although the sun may have set on her earthly body, the rays of her love shall endure forever.
A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday December 9th, 1 PM at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church 3008 Old Raleigh Road, Apex, NC 27502. The funeral will be live streamed on YouTube. Search: Saint Andrew the Apostle Apex NC. Her ashes will then be brought to her columbarium at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, 804 High House Road, Cary NC 27513. There will be a reception afterwards.
A Celebration of Life will also be held in Philadelphia. Details will be posted soon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation www.pulmonaryfibrosis.com or the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal at www. https://miraculousmedal.org.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lilli Henderson who was Geraldine's aide and companion from Comfort Keepers as well as the team at Amedisys Hospice
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Ongirski family.
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