Annamaria Gere, 79, Loved Puzzles and Word Searches

She was born in Lorain on December 31, 1945 and was a member of Admiral King High School’s Class of 1963 where she was a member of the Mon-a-rae’s social club.

While still enrolled in high school, Annamaria simultaneously completed coursework at the Northern Institute of Cosmetology. Shortly after her high school graduation, she passed her state licensing exam and was granted her Ohio Cosmetologist’s license.

She worked for several beauty salons in western Cuyahoga County prior to co-establishing her own shop, the Cam’s Beauty Salon in Bay Village during the early 1970’s. Following the sale of the business, Annamaria joined the housekeeping staff at St. Joseph Hospital and later transitioned into the role of ward secretary at Lorain Community Hospital (now Mercy Health Lorain Hospital). She ultimately retired from a position at the Elmcroft Senior Living Center in Lorain.

A former parishioner of Sacred Heart Chapel, Annamaria lived her life to the fullest every day embracing the mantra Live, Love, Laugh. Her family remained her focal point and she cherished every moment she spent with them. She knew no strangers and was known for her benevolence and willingness to go out of her way without hesitation to assist anyone in need.

Annamaria possessed a wide variety of interests; she enjoyed watching television, especially episodes of Forensic Files, the Andy Griffith Show and the Masked Singer. She also loved to cook, and meet the challenges posed by puzzles and word searches. She was a diehard Elvis Presley fan and succeeded in fulfilling her longtime bucket list dream of visiting Graceland Mansion. In addition, she liked music and displayed a special fondness for rhythm and blues, jazz, and the “oldies” genres. Above all else, Annamaria was probably best known for her fondness of elephants and her establishment of a large and impressive collection of pachyderm-related items of which she was very proud. Additional hobbies included spending time outdoors, taking walks, browsing for interesting jewelry at local flea markets, and decorating her home with items of Asian and oriental design.

Annamaria leaves to cherish her memory her sons Brian and Jason both residing in Sheffield Lake. Additional survivors include brothers Arturo Garcia (Amelia) of Lorain and Ruben Garcia (Olga) of Avon, along with her sister Estella Garcia of Lorain and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband David in 2016, by her parents Bonaficio and Carmen (nee Sandoval) Garcia, brothers Ramon, John, and Rudolfo Garcia, along with sisters Theresa Delgado and Raquel Garcia.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.