1932 – Geraldine Schneider Opalka – 2022

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Geraldine Alice Schneider Opalka. Gerry passed away quietly on the morning of March 28th, 2022, leaving her family and friends with a wealth of wonderful memories. She was predeceased by her first husband Chesley Schneider and second husband William Opalka. Born April 16, 1932, in Gull Lake Saskatchewan to Florence and Harry Allen. Geraldine is survived by her sister Mary Louise Turgeon (Gerry Turgeon), son Brennan Schneider (Susan Schneider) and daughter Cindy Roberts (Tom Roberts); grandchildren, Jennifer Roberts, Jason Roberts, Zoë Schneider (Jonathan Vaughn), and Nickolas Schneider, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Bill’s nephew Darren, Rose Anne, and Hannah Rud, and niece Pam and Mike Hole.

Gerry’s kind smile and twinkling blue eyes were the first thing you would notice about her, followed by her deep kindness and affable nature. Gerry was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; taking joy in the moments spent with her family. Gerry was an artist and gardener; cultivating and creating beauty in everything she touched.

Her passion for nature led her and Ches to find a cabin in the Shuswaps of B.C. in 1975. The cabin was a place for her family and friends to join and connect with each other and nature. After Ches passed away and Gerry married William, the cabin welcomed him and his family as well. So many great memories were created there, with Gerry as the catalyst.

Gerry’s love of travel led her and Ches to Maui and Mexico, as well as countless road trips. Gerry and Bill explored Portugal and made many return trips to Arizona. She had a love of the plants and style of the Southwest. One of her favorite places to be was in her garden in the early morning, listening to the birds.

With her friends from knitting club, Gerry co-founded an artisan shop called Creative Hands in Medicine Hat in the 1980’s. Gerry loved her watercolour friends at the Strathcona Arts Studio. Her family cherishes her many watercolour paintings and cards. She was a long-time member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School and Explorer’s. Gerry’s quiet and strong faith saw her through life’s many ups and downs. She loved the quiet beauty of this world. We would like to thank the staff at River Ridge for the compassionate care Gerry received.

A private celebration of Gerry’s life will take place on her birthday at St. John’s Presbyterian church. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Geraldine Opalka, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2022-03-28
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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