GERALDINE LeFAVE

Geraldine “Gerri” LeFave went to heaven to be with Jesus on Saturday, May 18, 2024. She was born Aug. 14, 1947, in Alpena. She was the daughter of the late Theodore and Genevieve LaCross.

Gerri is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Jim. She was an amazing mother to her three children Chris (Missi) LeFave, Kathy LeFave and Jeff (Rachael) LeFave. She was the best Grammy to her six grandsons Logan Mahn, Ethan Mahn, Brenden LeFave, Benjamin LeFave, Isaac LeFave and Jacob LeFave. She also was survived by her nine siblings Shirley (Tom) Kendziorski, Terry (Carol) LaCross, Margaret LaCross, Brother Larry LaCross, Bob (Sue) LaCross, Rick (Linda) LaCross, Patricia LaCross, Tom (Maryann) LaCross, Mary (Jeff) Moody. Along with a beautiful extended family of many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

She was a graduate of Catholic Central High School in 1965 where she loved cheerleading, choir, music, and was a proud member of the Folk Way Four singing group. She met Jim in high school where they fell in love. They were married on Sept. 3, 1966, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alpena.

After getting married they finished pharmacy school at Ferris State College in Big Rapids in 1970. They opened LeFave Pharmacy on the corner of 13th and Chisholm Street on Dec. 6, 1976, where they served the community with love and compassion for 25+ years.

RVing and exploring with her children and six grandsons filled her heart with joy. Gerri was an excellent cook and baker spreading her love by giving away many pies, muffins, and breads. Her joyful love and passion was painting with watercolor. She created many custom pieces for Jim, her children, family, and friends that will be treasured for years to come. Her beautiful creations were featured many times in her community of Dove Mountain in Arizona.

Gerri’s devotion to her Catholic faith and the Blessed Mother was immeasurable. She was devoted to supporting the Catholic parishes where she and Jim lived, St. Bernard in Alpena and St. Mark in Oro Valley, Ariz. She also loved supporting St. Bonaventure, The Capuchin Soup Kitchen and the Father Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. Gerri was a love and joy spreader to so many. She gave 1000s of guardian angel pins to friends and strangers alike. This was one of her joys for the last 30+ years.

Memorial visitation will take place Friday, June 7, at Bannan Funeral Home from 2 to 8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Memorial visitation will continue Saturday at St. Bernard Church of All Saints Church from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Daniel Fox officiating.

Inurnment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: The Capuchin Soup Kitchen 1820 Mount Elliott St. Detroit, MI 48207