Geraldine Olesen

POLAND - Prayers will begin Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, for Geraldine “Gerry” D. Olesen, 92, who died peacefully Thursday morning at Maplecrest Nursing Home.

Gerry was born Oct. 26, 1926, in Youngstown, the daughter of Joseph and Sophie (Pcolar) Yavorick.

She was a 1943 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Youngstown College.

Gerry worked as the secretary to the president and general manager of G.M. McKelvey Co. for many years.

Gerry was a charter member of the Holy Family Church, assistant Girl Scout Leader, and Cub Scout Den Mother.

She enjoyed hiking, biking, traveling abroad, golfing, and bowling, where she received several trophies with the “Poland Bowling Early Birds.”

Gerry’s husband, Lawrence N. Olesen, whom she married Feb. 15, 1947, died Dec. 17, 2012.

She is survived by her daughter, Gerry Pletenik of Poland; son Neil (Patti) Olesen of Edmond, Okla.; sister Joan Lawson of California; and two grandchildren, Matthew and Kimberly Olesen.

Gerry was also preceded in death by her parents; son Bryan (Shauna Sechrist) Olesen; two sisters, Sophie Martin and Gertrude Palvsak; and brother Joey Yavorick.

Family and friends may call Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.

The family would like to thank Dr. Minotti for the years of exceptional care and compassion given to Gerry.

Material tributes may take the form of donations to the Holy Family Church.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.