GERALDINE F. (FORTIN) HEED

Jan. 2, 1913 - April 5, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Geraldine F. "Gerry" Heed, 97, of Sanctuary at St. Paul's, South Bend, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2010. Geraldine Iola Fortin was born January 2, 1913, in Morocco, IN, to the late Lily Ora Norris Fortin and James Pearl Fortin. She moved with her family to South Bend in 1924.

Her brother, Gilbert Herald Fortin, died on December 23, 1998. Her sister, Evelyn Lorena Fortin Wagner, died on September 1, 2005.

As Gerry Kaetzer, she married Albin K. Heed on May 15, 1965. Al preceded her in death on January 4, 1979.

Gerry is survived by a nephew, J. Bruce Wagner of Mishawaka, IN; nieces, Phyllis (Tom) Lang of North Liberty, IN, Diane (Mark) Miller of South Bend, IN, and Sandra (Jerry) Wiseman of Schaumburg, IL.

Another niece, Shirley (Richard) Burks, preceded her in death.

Also surviving are a stepson, Robert Heed, and two stepdaughters, Susan Mattox and Nancy Fotherdill.

Gerry graduated from South Bend High School (Central) in 1931.

She worked for 21 years at Wilson Brothers and retired from Memorial Hospital in 1975 after 18 years service. She had been a member of First Baptist Church since 1926. She was active in the church choir, Fellowship Service Circle and ABW. She was also a member of the John Ericson Vikings Lodge #51, Goodwill Auxiliary, and Retirees Club of Memorial Hospital.

A memorial service celebrating Gerry's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17th, in First Baptist Church, 3010 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, with Rev. Janell Bloem officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall of the church immediately following the service. A private entombment service has taken place at Riverview Cemetery. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and many caregivers on St. Paul's 3rd floor Health Care for their conscientious care of "Aunt Gerry." In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 3010 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46614; or to the Sanctuary at St. Paul's, 3602 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46614. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Apr. 11, 2010.

01/27/2023 EJS