Geraldine Collette

Geraldine "Geri" Collette, 84, of Niagara, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Maryhill Manor Nursing Home. Geri was born January 26, 1927 in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late Clarence A. and Jeanette (Western) Ryan. She attended the Kingsford School System, graduating in 1943. In 1944 she attended the Chicago Lab of Technology for training as a Medical Lab Technician. On August 30, 1947, Geraldine married Charles Edward "Ed" Collette of Niagara, WI. Geri was a lifetime member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Niagara, serving in a number of lay positions. She was past president of the Roger DuBord Post 7931 Auxiliary as well as a volunteer at the V.A. Hospital in Iron Mountain for 26 years. She worked at the First National of Niagara, starting as a file clerk in 1983 and retiring as Vice President and Head Cashier in 1985. She was instrumental in introducing computers at the bank in the early 80's. Geri enjoyed music, dancing, bowling, and spending time at Kelly Lake with her family. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Ed and Geri spent 12 winters in McAllen, TX. Geri lived her entire married life in the Niagara area where she and her husband were one of the first people to build a home in Niagara Heights. Geri was an outstanding wife and mother and will be dearly missed by family and friends. Geri is survived by her husband, Edward; one son, Michael (JoAnna); a brother, Dennis Ryan (Mary Margaret); granddaughter, Kirsten; step-granddaughters, Betsy, JoEllen and Jill; a sister-in-law, Carol Ryan; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Katie; a sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Charles Nelson; and brothers, Michael and Terry Ryan. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:00 am at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Father Matthew Settle will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences to the family of Geraldine "Geri" Collette may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Geraldine Collette

January 26, 1927 - November 12, 2011