Geraldine "Gerry" Whalen, 87, Enjoyed Spending Time with Her Grand and Great Grandchildren, Enjoyed Music and Swimming

She was born June 24, 1923 in Elyria and had been a lifelong Elyria/Lorain area resident.

Gerry graduated from Elyria High School. In the 1960's, Gerry worked as a receptionist at St. Peter School in Lorain. Along with her late husband Robert, they co-owned and operated Whalen Drugs in Lorain before retiring in 1986.

Gerry had a love of music and played the piano, the organ and sang. She inspired her family to play musical instruments.

She was a member of the Catholic Church of St. Peter in Lorain and was devoted to her faith. She enjoyed swimming at the YMCA in Lorain and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Upon her retirement, she and her husband Robert enjoyed spending their winters in Ft. Myers, Florida.

She is survived by her children Marsha Croll (Rick) of Valley City, Tommy Whalen of Lake Placid, Florida, Mark Whalen (Diane) of Lorain and Michael Whalen (Mary Kay) of Stow, 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, sister Marilyn "Pat" Foreman and brother Donald Hange ("Toots"), both of Elyria. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert J. Whalen in 2000, son Robert M. Whalen in 1999 and parents Wayne and Dorothy Hange (nee Tedrow).

The family will receive friends Monday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel followed by the mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Ave, Lorain. The Rev. Craig Hovanec, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Capital Campaign Fund at St. Peter Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH. 44052.

Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net.