GERARD, Helen "Vera" (O'DONNELL)

GERARD, OBONNELL, CHUTE, MCMULLEN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 4/3/2018 at 23:40:26

Obituary ~ Helen "Vera" (O'Donnell) Gerard
August 17, 1901 ~ January 19, 2005

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
January 21, 2005

MASON CITY — Helen Vera Gerard, 103, died Wednesday (Jan. 19, 2005) at Good Shepard Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave. in Mason City, with the Rev. Jon M. Seda officiating. Interment at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City. Visitation at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City, with a rosary at 7 p.m.

Vera was born Aug. 17, 1901, the daughter of Dennis and Elizabeth (Chute) O'Donnell. She grew up and was educated in Mason City, graduating in the year 1918 from Mason City High School.

While attending high school, her fondest memory was walking to school, occasionally with Meredith Willson. Vera worked for the Iowa Highway Commission after graduating from high school.

On Dec. 27, 1921, Vera was united in marriage to Alfred J. Gerard in Mason City and to this union four children were born. This union between Vera and her husband lasted 72 years until his death.

Vera enjoyed playing bridge with the many friends she made. She volunteered many years of service at her local voting precinct. Later in her life, she and her husband operated Al's Corner Market at 12th St. N.E. and N. Carolina Ave. She later continued her employment at Damon's Department Store.

Upon the occasion of her 100th birthday, she celebrated a family reunion with her children, other relations and friends.

Vera is survived by her son, Patrick, and wife, Kay, of San Diego, Calif.; her daughter, Mary, and husband, Gary McMullen, of Mason City; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Al; one son, Jack; one daughter, Shirley; and two great-grandchildren.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2018