Geraldina Ortiz-Muñiz's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Geraldina Ortiz-Muñiz, age 93 of Charleston and formerly of Puerto Rico, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehab. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. with a Rosary Service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at 921 Madison Street in Charleston. Immediately following the visitation a Funeral Mass honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Father Hyland Smith officiating. Inurnment will be in Puerto Rico at a later date. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the E.I.U. Foundation - Geraldina Ortiz-Muñiz Spanish Scholarship, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, or to the Newman Catholic Center. Gifts may be left at the visitation or funeral mass or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Geraldina was born September 30, 1924 in the town of Naguabo, Puerto Rico. Her parents were Gabriel Ortiz and Clotilda Muñiz. She was the only girl of six children, all professionals: Roberto (Engineer), Eddie (Physicist), William (Pharmacist), Gabriel (Biologist) and Arturo (Engineer). Her only surviving brother is Gabriel, who lives in Miramar, Florida with his wife Daisy Torres Ortiz. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families: Roberto, Irma, Surama, William, Ana Margarita, Gabriel, Edith, Arturo and Ivonne. Gerry completed elementary and secondary school in Naguabo and in 1944 obtained her BA at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Branch. Upon graduating she taught at the Superior School in Naguabo. In 1948, Geraldina along with her mother and several of her brothers moved to New York City. Four years later she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Upon termination of her military service in 1956, she began her doctoral studies at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, received her Master of Arts in 1958 and her PhD in 1960 with a specialization in Spanish Peninsular Literature. That year she returned to the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Branch, where she taught until 1962. Gerry then moved to the United States and made Charleston her home, and was a Professor of Spanish Language and Literature at Eastern Illinois University. Gerry loved to travel and made many trips abroad with her dear friend, Barbara Busch. She loved classical music and had accumulated quite an extensive collection. One of her strong characteristics was hospitality. She invited everyone she encountered to her home for coffee and insisted in serving them cookies or other sweets. She was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and stuck with them through thick and thin - praise the Lord she was able to enjoy their great World Series Championship. Gerry was an amazing woman and accomplished much in her 93 years. She will be missed by her family and close friends.The Funeral Mass for Geraldina Ortiz-Muñiz was conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Hyland Smith officiating. Those assisting were: Rosie Schniers, Joyce Madigan and Deacon Jeff Beals, Eucharistic Ministers; Austin Fehrenbacher and Austin Fisher, Altar Servers; Dan Ensign and Cindy Sasco, Gift Bearers; Diane Ensign, Registry Attendant; Dan Ensign and Jerry Herman, Ushers; and Roy Lanham, Lector. Joyce Harwood, pianist and Terry Coulton, violinist, accompanied the cantor, Mary White who led the singing of "O Loving God" , "Shepherd Me, O God" , "Prayer of St. Francis" , "Hail Mary" , "Song of Farewell" , and "On Eagle's Wings" . Edith Cooper, niece of the deceased gave the eulogy. Phil Kerz, representing the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 Honor Guard, made the flag presentation. SERVICES Visitation Wednesday, November 08, 2017 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 921 Madison Avenue Charleston, Illinois 61920 Holy Rosary Wednesday, November 08, 2017 10:00 AM St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 921 Madison Avenue Charleston, Illinois 61920 Funeral Mass Wednesday, November 08, 2017 10:30 AM St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 921 Madison Avenue Charleston, Illinois 61920
What’s your fondest memory of Geraldina?
What’s a lesson you learned from Geraldina?
Share a story where Geraldina's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Geraldina you’ll never forget.
How did Geraldina make you smile?