June 12 1935 October 31 2021
Geraldine Amelia (Duda) Wyrwa passed away peacefully at the Prescott House, No. Andover surrounded by her loved ones. She was 86. Geraldine was born on June 12, 1935 in Nanticoke PA, and was one of 2 girls born to her late parents Sophia (Barchik) and Leon Duda. With her mother and sister, she later migrated to Harrison NJ. She was educated at Our Lady of Czestochowa grammar school where she was the Class President, and upon her graduation in 1949 went on to Harrison High School. Geraldine eventually married the love of her life Charles (Charlie) Wyrwa Jr., and had two beautiful boys. Throughout her life, Geraldine held Family and Faith as the most important part of her being. She had a very strong devotion to Mary, our Blessed Mother and her beloved brown scapula. Her prayer life was very important to her. In 1987, with the love of family as her driving force, Geraldine, Charlie her husband and Sophia “Nanny” her mom left NJ and moved to Es County Massachusetts to be near her grandchildren and her sons. She was happiest when the house was full of family sitting elbow to elbow at the table as she was cooking pierogis and galumpkis. Her favorite holiday was the Christmas Eve, Polish tradition called wigilia, which includes the serving of 7 different fish, and the breaking and sharing the Oplatki Christmas bread. Geraldine, throughout her life, held various jobs which included being a Nurse’s Aide and working in the Finance department of Otis Elevator. Finally after moving to Massachusetts, she became a Court Clerk for the Lawrence District Courthouse where she eventually retired from. Geraldine loved to travel, visiting church fairs, historic attractions, Disney World, the Mountains, Foxwoods, and the New Jersey shore. Politics were also important to her, as being part of a Polish immigrant working family was a huge component of the freedom she lived for in America. Geraldine was an avid sports fan while knowing all the statistics and players, and she held a special love for Tom Brady and The Patriots. Geraldine also spent countless hours staying connected with family afar in New Jersey. She kept greeting cards and newspaper clippings of everything and everyone that was so important to her. Geraldine is predeceased by her husband Charles Wyrwa Jr, her mom Sophia Duda, and her father Leon Duda. She is survived by her sons Charles J. Wyrwa III and David Wyrwa, and also leaves her grandson Joseph Wyrwa, his wife Katie, and their sons Logan and Blake Wyrwa, her granddaughters Alison Soucy and Rachel Wyrwa, her wife Samantha, and their daughter Charlotte Wyrwa. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Unoski and her three children John (his wife Jan and daughter Emma), Bobby, and Donna (and her 4 daughters Stephanie, Katie, Valerie, and Karoline, and many childhood friends. Family and friends are welcome to attend a Catholic Funeral Mass at Saint Francis Church, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut, MA. starting at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 5, 2021, and with burial to follow at St Mary’s Immaculate Conception cemetery 29 Barker Street, Lawrence MA where she will be laid to rest with her husband and mother. In lieu of flowers Geraldine has requested donations be made to the Donor’s choice of Charities in her name.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Geraldine Amelia Wyrwa June 12 1935 October 31 2021.
Kenneth H Pollard Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Methuen, state: Massachusetts