Geraldine Dolores Stephenson

Obituary Geraldine passed away on August 15, 2016, from complications of multiple sclerosis. She was born on August 25, 1931 to George and Thelma Kaperick. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy; brother, Larry Kaperick; and sister, Louise Sitterud (Dave); 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her son, Bill Stephenson; brother, Dick Kaperick; sister, Joan Tomasek (Bob); and sister, Leona MacDicken (Norm); plus many cousins and friends. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint John of the Woods Catholic Church on August 25, 2016. Address is 9903 24th Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98445. Rosary is at 10:30 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am. A reception follows in the church hall. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003. Some extra thoughts on Gerry-- --As a child, Gerry loved to play baseball with the neighbor kids and loved sports all of her life. She watched the Mariners and Seahawks on TV and was an avid fan. --According to her brother, she was the fastest raspberry picker in her family. She was very proud of that! --She worked with the newborn babies in the nursery at Tacoma General Hospital after she married Al and continued until her second child was born. She loved babies!! --She struggled with multiple sclerosis since 1955 but managed to raise two children, including cooking, housekeeping, attending school functions, and escorting them for swimming lessons in the summer. She was a wonderful cook - she put a big breakfast on the table every morning and cooked dinner for her family every night she was able. She specialized in dishes such as tuna soufflé, pot roast, Salisbury steak, tuna burgers, and various casseroles. She baked like a chef - loganberry pie, cherry chip cake, fudge mounds, and chocolate chip cookies. --Her MS got worse in 1985 and she began living at Charlton Place assisted living facility. She stayed there until 2010 when she needed additional nursing care and moved to Heartwood Rehabilitation Center where she remained for the rest of her life. She loved it and made many friends with the staff who worked there. Kathleen was dear to her. - Gerry especially liked her name since that was what she named her daughter! Karen, Helen, Valerie, and many others assisted her through her last journey to make her as comfortable as possible. I thank all of the staff who worked with her; you are exceptional people and have earned your place in heaven! It must have been so difficult for you at times.