GERALDINE “Geri” CARON

Geraldine “Geri” Caron, age 72, of Elburn, formerly of Chicago, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Friday, January 28. 2022.

She was born July 9, 1949, in Chicago, IL, to proud and loving parents, Charles and Estelle Radziwon.

Geri grew up in Chicago off of 33^rd St. and Paulina and attended local schools. She graduated from Kelly High School and continued her education at Southern Illinois University and Daley Community College.

Mike Caron found a way to “smooze” a date over the phone with Geri and the rest, as they say, was history. They walked down the aisle hand in hand and heart to heart, on July 18, 1970. They began their new life together in McKinley Park,  just a block away from her childhood home. Later, they would settle in Brighton Park.

Geri worked for the government for over 20 years as a healthcare administrator.

Her childhood neighborhood was full of friends and the relationships she grew passed the test of time. She held them dear to her heart, just as she did her beloved family. Geri was “everybody’s mom” and although she had one daughter, Anne, she claimed a goddaughter Kim and later Randi became a daughter, not by blood, but by Geri’s heart. Kris became an “adopted son” and part of her ever-growing family. Her grandchildren became the apple of her eye and were celebrated at every turn. Geri always said that in her “past life” she must have worked for an orphanage because whenever she cooked, it was for an army. Holidays and parties brought out the best in Geri, and certainly the best out of her kitchen. Mouthwatering aromas alone could make you gain ten pounds. She loved to go to the movies and when she wasn’t at the theater, she was reading her favorite book. Sitting out in the sun brought out the biggest smile and comforted her like no other. Traveling to the Wisconsin Dells and various weekend trips made everlasting memories with every mile.

Her presence completed the puzzle in so many peoples lives that the emptiness of her passing will linger long in their hearts.

She is survived by her daughter Anne (Mike) Kothe. her “daughter” Randi (Ben) Doorn; goddaughter Kim Soto; “son” Kris Grzenia; two grandchildren, Erika and Michaela Kothe; a loving sister in law and many nieces and nephew; and a family of friends that will forever love and remember her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Estelle Radziwon, her husband Mike Caron.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn, IL., Sunday February 6, 2022. A funeral service to celebrate her memory will follow visitation. Private family interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Geri’s name. Checks may be made to the “Geraldine Caron Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.