With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Geralyn Kolakowski, 74, who passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on July 22, 2025.

Geralyn was a woman of resilience, grace, and quiet strength. She graduated from Ida High School in 1969, was a proud graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, earned her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado, and continued her academic journey at Harvard University in Boston. Her lifelong commitment to learning was matched only by her generosity of spirit and her gift for uplifting others with wisdom, warmth, and kindness.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis around the age of 40, Geralyn met life’s challenges with courage and dignity. She never let her diagnosis define her – she lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired everyone around her with her compassion, humor, and unwavering optimism.

She was the beloved daughter of Chester and Anna Kolakowski and is survived by her brother Rodney (Peggy) Kolakowski of Ida, her sister Penny (Chuck) Daniels of St. Louis, MO, 8 nieces/nephews, 16 great-nieces/nephews, and 2 great-great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Susan, and her nephews Scott Bastien and Bryan Hastings.

Geralyn’s legacy lives on in every life she touched. We invite you to come as you are, bring a memory, and celebrate the remarkable woman she was.

A Celebration of Life

Location: St. Gabriel Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Church | 8295 Van Aiken Street, Ida, MI 48140 | The Rev. Christopher Muer will officiate

Date & Time: Saturday, August 30 | Welcome begins at 10:30 am | Service at 11 am

Live-Stream is available for those unable to attend:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73034505274

Meeting ID: 730 3450 5274

Join instructions: https://us04web.zoom.us/meetings/73034505274/invitations?signature=E8LiXVqAOFQZAnjA2sc8Czj84Uw49NwG4jkJH_2EiVU

Interment: Lulu Cemetery, Ida – A peaceful resting place beside her mother’s headstone.

Fellowship Gathering: Please join us afterward at the parish hall for fellowship, shared memories, and refreshments.

In Her Honor

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Massachusetts Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your choice – a reflection of Geralyn’s lifelong commitment to learning, compassion and community.