Geraldine Pierce

Geraldine (Rabe) Pierce, age 94, of Peotone, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018 at her home.

She was born on December 17, 1923 in Crescent City, IL, the daughter of the late Edward and Nelle (Kissack) Rabe.  She married the late Jack B. Pierce on February 8, 1948 at the Pontiac Methodist Church.  He died on February 14, 2010.  Mrs. Pierce was a member of the Peotone United Methodist Church, a member of the Peotone American Legion Post 392 Auxiliary, lifetime member of the P.E.O. Organization, lifetime member of the Peotone Historical Society, member of the Peotone Women’s Club, and served as a longtime Peotone Park District Commissioner.  She was an artist and especially enjoyed oil painting for which she won many ribbons.  She volunteered at the Will County Fair as the Superintendent of Fine Arts, volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, served as an election judge, and worked as a census taker for many years. She especially loved nature and animals.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; Jean and Greg Oliver and Ginger and Steve Saliba, all of Peotone; a son-in-law, Tom Helfrich of Wilmington; grandchildren, Samantha (Dan) Tewes, Forrest (Brandi) Helfrich, Hayley (Andrew) Harvey, and Kacie (Kevin) Schultz, Matthew Oliver and Jackie Oliver, and Eddie, John, and Andrew Saliba; great-grandchildren, Bradley Oliver, Claire and Charlotte Tewes, Dylan Helfrich, and baby Schultz due in November; a sister-in-law, Prudence “Penny” (Jack) Holt; and special caregiver, Vicenta Hotis.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Jill Helfrich (July 10, 2007); and a sister, Maxine Fields.

Visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Thursday, August 30 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Friday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m., Deacon Jim Kelly officiating.  Burial will be at Peotone Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Matthew Oliver, Forrest Helfrich, Eddie Saliba, John Saliba, Andrew Saliba, and Bradley Oliver.  Memorials to the family’s wishes would be appreciated.