Geraldine Swiderski

Geraldine “Gerry” Swiderski, age 85, of Elburn, passed away quietly into the arms of her savior, Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago.

She was born March 24, 1931, in Chicago, to proud parents, Andrew and Martha Zaremba.

Gerry grew up in Chicago and attended local schools. She graduated from Bowen High School with the class of 1949. Before accepting her diploma, Gerry participated in Volleyball and was active in CYO, Catholic Youth Organization.

Following graduation, Gerry worked as secretary for a law firm in Chicago.

Gerry met Lou Swiderski at a local polish dance during their high school years. He may have swept her off her feet, but they wouldn’t land at the altar until six months after his return from overseas. They were united in marriage on October 10, 1953.

They began their new life together on the south side but made their home around Chicago until Lou was transferred to Alabama and thirteen years later they moved to Keokuk, IA. Following his retirement, Lou and Gerry came home to family in Elburn. Seventeen years of children and grandchildren followed, along with thousands of memories that filled the hearts of their family.

Gerry was a faithful member of St. Gall Catholic Church.

Gerry was a sports fanatic. She loved her Chicago Cubs, but cheered on all the Chicago teams as well. She achieved one of her lifelong dreams by seeing the Cubs win the World Series. She was a religious education teacher for over many years, and loved sharing her faith with her children. Gerry was a voracious reader of many different titles and genres. Above all, Gerry loved her grandchildren with fervor and determination. If they were involved in anything, anywhere, you could count on Grandma to be in attendance. Gerry was loved by all who knew her and will forever be missed.

She now leaves two sons: Robert (Kelly) Swiderski and Michael (Laura) Swiderski; seven grandchildren: David (Suzanne) Swiderski, Scott (Jamie) Swiderski, Joseph Swiderski, Matthew Swiderski, Jennifer Swiderski, Amy Swiderski and John Swiderski; two great-grandchildren: Jackson and Abby Swiderski; one brother, Richard (Lucy) Zaremba; nieces, nephew and a family of friends.

She now joins her beloved husband Lou; her parents, Andrew and Martha Zaremba;

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:30 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, Monday, March 13, 2017. Mass will follow at 12 p.m. at St. Gall Catholic Church, 120 W. Shannon St., Elburn, IL 60119. Fr. Christopher DiTomo, pastor of the church will officiate, with interment to follow at St. Gall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Gerry’s name to benefit St. Vincent DePaul. Checks may be made to “St. Vincent DePaul” and mailed in care of Geraldine Swiderski, P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or at www.conleycare.com.

Mass will follow at 12 p.m. at St. Gall Catholic Church, 120 W. Shannon St., Elburn, IL 60119. Fr. Christopher DiTomo, pastor of the church will officiate.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:30 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, Monday, March 13, 2017.

Interment to follow at St. Gall Cemetery.