Geraldine “Gerry” Papas

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died May 26, 2019

Geraldine “Gerry” Papas, age 97, of Gladstone passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.

Gerry was born February 15, 1922, in Detroit, the only child of James and Lilley (Botterill) Sibley. She was united in marriage to Edward Papas on April 11, 1942 in Detroit. Their union lasted for over 60 years. They raised two daughters and Edward worked for the Ford Motor Company until he retired in 1980. Following his retirement they moved to Gladstone. Gerry was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church and the Terrrace Bluff Golf Club. She enjoyed golfing and spending time attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting activities and their sleepovers.

With eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, she continued to teach unconditional love and respect, no matter what. She loved everyone the same and we are all better people for having the honor to have known her.

Gerry is survived by her daughters, Joanne Hill and Judy (Jim) Tochterman, both of Gladstone; grandchildren, Rob and Carol Mata, Stephanie and Chris Lindley, Jamie and Tonya Mata, AnneMarie and Scott Sliva, Matthew Papas, Jennifer and Dennis Harding, Ashlee and Tony LaPlant and Joe and Katie Ostlund and great grandchildren, Charlie, Eli, Hanna, Maddie, Kennedy, Dallas, Jack, Elisabeth, Jane, Stella, Marta, Adele and Maren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her best friend, Madge.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Papas family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.

7 Tributes for “Geraldine “Gerry” Papas

    Your mom was a very sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all . Heaven has another angel
    Gary and Kathy Maynard

    Gerry, holds a special place in the Spinek Family hearts. So many memories shared through out the years. As a kid staying in Florida at the condo’s when i would visit Grandma “Madge” one of my morning stops on my walk was to visit Gerry and Ed and look at all the dolls that she would make and crochet. I felt so special because she let me pick one out to take home with me. May you find peace as you all share your memories of such a special lady.
    Love and Hugs

    What a marvelous example Gerry was. She approached life with wonderful good humor and a genuine smile. May we all age as gracefully as she did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    I have missed seeing your mom in church, and am sad at her passing, but joyful too, knowing she is lighting up heaven with her gentleness and kind spirit. Thinking of all of you. Love, Lorna B

    Sending lots of love and prayers to all of you! “Mom” was a true example of grace. Such a loving, gentle, and kind person. My heart hurts for you all. Know that I am thinking of you and saying prayers as you go about the next few days, weeks, months and the year of “firsts”

    Dear Joanne and Judy,
    My heart goes out to you with deepest sympathy. Your mom was such a dear person. I always enjoyed visiting with her when she lived at Bay View … and she was the same sweet person while over at Bishop Noa Home. You had an incredible bond with your mom and I can only imagine how much you will miss her. She left behind a beautiful legacy in the two of you. May you find comfort in the memories … and in the fact that you had such a wonderful mother who taught you how to live by her fine example. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Nancy LeGault

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