Geraldine D. Franko

Geraldine (Geri) Dorothy (Wesley) Franko, a longtime resident of Dearborn Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Florida. She was born on June 5, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan to Theodore Wesley and Sophia Malinowski. Geri married Bill, the love of her life, on October 23, 1954. Geri had been dating his friend, but knew that Bill “was the one for her.” Their first date would begin their life together for 63-plus treasured years. When Bill was asked if he would ever change anything about their marriage, he replied “I would have married her sooner.” During their honeymoon, they started dressing to match each other -- just one of the many ways they showed their connection and love – along with dancing together, all their lives. Bill and Geri were blessed with three wonderful daughters: Debbie (Danny Kaloupek) Franko of Newton MA, Cindy Franko, and Shari (Jeff Lucyk) Franko. When Bill retired in 1992, they began to split their time between Michigan and Florida, living the good life, staying warm in the winter, and making many friends. In her Florida neighborhood, Geri is fondly remembered as “the best baker in the building.” She shared her delicious chocolate chip cookies or warm banana bread with family, friends, and the mail carrier, whenever she had the chance. Geri was a generous and loving spirit with an infectious smile. She loved to take pictures to capture every moment of life. Whether small moments or big events, Geri was ready with her camera to make that minute into a memory. Her many friends remember her as a woman of genuine goodness and loving kindness. She opened up her home, and her heart, to friends and family alike throughout her life. In addition to her children Debbie and Shari, Geri’s love continues in life through her grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Pajot, Ben Franko Kaloupek, Emma Franko Kaloupek, great grandson Tiernan William Pajot, and her sister Diane Dutton and beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her daughter Cindy. During her final days, Geri never complained. She kindly thanked every nurse and aid after they tended to her. She expressed gratitude every day and in every situation. Her final days were spent comfortably at Hope Hospice, surrounded by loved ones. Visitation will be at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 980 N. Newburgh Rd. in Westland, Michigan on Friday, December 10th from 3:00 to 8:00 pm (masks required). She will lie in state at St. Valentine Catholic Church, 14841 Beech Daly, Redford, Michigan at 10:30 am until the 11:00 am Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Donations in Geri’s memory may be made to Hope Hospice https://www.donate.hopehcs.org To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Geraldine D. Franko

June 5, 1933 - November 24, 2021