Sister Mary Geralyn

Sister Mary Geralyn             ND 5270              PDF Download

Patricia Ann STENGER

Immaculate Conception Province, USA

Date and Place of Birth:          December 27, 1937   Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Pla of Profession:   August 16, 1959         Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:       May 5, 2024                Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial:       May 10, 2024             Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon

“Fully Rely On God”

Patricia was the oldest child of Harry and Geraline (Morrison) Stenger. She and her three brothers grew up in a home where love for God, family and others was nurtured. She attributes her early spiritual development to her family and those she interacted with at Gesu Parish Elementary School. In 1954, as the family grieved the death of Mrs. Stenger, Patricia took on the responsbility of caring for her younger brothers. Two years later, her father remarried and over the next several years, their family welcomed two girls and a boy. After graduation from Beaumont School for Girls, she was able to follow the seeds of a religious vocation that had been planted in her heart. She entered as a postulant on September 8, 1956 and at investment received the name Sister Mary Geralyn.

Sister Mary Geralyn earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. She taught intermediate and junior high students in Ohio, Virginia and Florida for twenty-six years. With well-prepared, organized, no-nonsense classes, along with quick wit and subtle sense of humor, Sister dedicated herself to excellence in Catholic education. Students learned how to “figure things out” using definite processes and procedures. They also learned to appreciate each other’s gifts and talents as they prepared for the future.

After retiring from formal classroom teaching in 1986, Sister Mary Geralyn ministerd in our SND Community Finance Office for twenty-four years. She took courses to better understand finances, worked with budgets, supervised accounts and was an active member of many committees. Sister was organized, meticulous and attentive to every detail. For ten years, she drove sisters to appointments and was famous for her collection of maps and detailed drawings. Time was always set aside for her wonderful family and ever-growing circle of friends.

Sister Mary Geralyn was imaginative and creative. Crocheting became her specialty after she crafted a nativity set. Her work was prolific – baby blankets and booties, whimsical stuffed animals of every kind. Prize ribbons from the County Fair attest to her skill and artistry.

Many years ago, when dealing with several bouts of cancer, Sister’s mantra became “fully rely on God” in all circumstances of life. The Eucharist was the true center of her life. In the past few years Sister met the challenge of declining with trust and acceptance. Each day’s journey led her closer to her goal—union with God.

May Sister Mary Geralyn rejoice in God’s abundant life and endless love.