Geraldine Maki Obituary

Geraldine (Gerry) Wilhelmina Maki, of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully on New Years' Day 2013. Gerry was the daughter of Waino (1981) and Gertrude (2003) Maki. She was the devoted partner of Siegfried Fuhr (2010) and they spent many happy years together. Gerry leaves behind her brother John (Anne and Tansy and Taya) who will sadly miss his 'kid' sister. She was predeceased by her twin brother James (2008) and her sister-in-law Margaret Maki (2004). Her nieces Lisa (Dai Longfoot), Kathryn (Sean Berry) and nephew Peter (Jennifer Maki) all have loving memories of Gerry. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law Monika Smith (1988) whom Gerry nursed at home through her illness. Gerry is also survived by a large extended family including cousins Roger, Raymond, Danis, Marion and Russell Leroux and Judy; Clarence, Kenneth, John, Rodney Maki and Bunky Depaulo and Jerry and Jim Smith. Gerry touched many lives, including those of her step-son-in-law Martin (Tracey), grandchildren Kaitlin (Scott and Jordin), Leah (Andy Presswood) and Brent. Gerry felt lucky to have her grandson Caine Smith with her over these past years, as he provided loving care and company for her. Krista (Russ and Lucy) will also very sadly miss their grandmother, as will their father Rob Smith.As her brothers would both attest to, Gerry was an accomplished academic, she was the top of her G13 graduating class and she won several scholarships to Queens University and U of T. Gerry was truly a modern and independent woman, she loved to live outside many society norms. After university, she embarked on a trip to Europe and back-packed for a year, braving hostels and making friends.She returned to Canada, and enjoyed her career with the CBC in Toronto and returned home to Thunder Bay, as she always believed that home was where the heart was. Back home, she felt that she could maintain her connection with close friends and family and enjoy the peace and tranquility at Whitefish Lake. Gerry certainly had wanderlust, as she enjoyed her trip to Finland with her mother, Gertie to visit with friends and family. She had a fulfilling and interesting career with the Confederation College, as she managed the library there. Gerry will always be remembered as a sincere listener and a selfless caregiver with a soft shoulder to cry on and she was truly a loyal friend.The Fuhr and Maki families would like to extend sincere thanks to all her close friends and relatives who were there for her when she could no longer drive. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the staff of St. Joseph's Palliative Care Unit for their wonderful and caring attention as well as Dr. Kevin Miller of TB Regional Cancer Care for his kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph's Care Group - Palliative Care. A small celebration with family and friends will be held at a later date. She is now at peace with both of her other halves, Sig and Jim.On-line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com "