Geraldine “Gerry” Susan Stifter
1917 - 2016
Geraldine “Gerry” Susan Stifter peacefully passed away Sunday, March 13, 2016 after a short illness. She was 98 years old.
Gerry’s life was amazingly full and her legacy is far reaching. She began her nursing career in Chicago, IL as a charge nurse in pediatrics, then as an industrial nurse during WWII and, after moving to Burbank, CA, continued as a volunteer School Nurse at St Francis Xavier Elementary while she raised and nurtured her eight children. Her giving, caring and charitable nature spanned volunteering at the church in many roles, being an active member of Catholic Daughters of America starting in 1950, the constant “go-to” person providing countless hours of nursing care and support to neighborhood families, and most importantly being an incredible, loving mother. After her husband Bill’s death, she acted as the CEO of the family business and continued working at the store until she was in her 70’s! She dedicated her life to family and she was passionate that each of us would achieve our utmost potential in our careers, as good citizens in our communities, and have a deep-rooted faith.
She leaves behind seven children: Susan Maness (Charlie), Fred Stifter (Gina), Patricia Clouse (Stan), Marianne Walters (Ted), Kathleen Atkins (Eric), Geraldine Lorme (Raymon) and Eileen Bagan; twenty-one grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; two siblings: Donald and Sister Susan Hahn. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents John and Susan Hahn; her brothers John and Jerome; her sisters Marie, Marguerite and Coletta; her loving husband William “Bill” Stifter, son Dr. William Stifter and grandson Sargent Joseph Stifter; along with son-inlaw, Joe Bagan, and many dear friends.
Gerry will be remembered for her kind touch, gentle soul, deep blue eyes that sparkled with her smile and loving words that eased a heavy heart. “Rest in peace, Mom ~ we love you and will miss you every day of our lives.”
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all those who cared for our dear mother the past few years (Visiting Angels, the Summerhill staff and Hospice - ily requests donations may be made to Catholic Charities.