Obituary of Leonilda C. Geraczynski

Leonilda C. Geraczynski ne: Ciocca Sunrise: December 8, 1924 Sunset: February 2, 2015 Leonilda, daughter of Josephine ne: Calabrese Ciocca and Michael Augusto Ciocca was born in Fort Lee, New Jersey. "Lee" or " Lena" lived in Cliffside Park and Fort Lee until she was married in 1948 at Madonna Church, Fort Lee. Soon thereafter she and her husband William moved to rural Old Bridge, NJ where she lived and raised her twins, William and Barbara, and son, Michael. As a young woman she was employed during WWII in an aeronautics plant in Teterboro where she was a "Rosie the Riveter" building airplane parts for the war effort. As a domestic homemaker during the early years, she was employed at two local newspapers in advertising layout and classified marketing. She also was employed at Macy's. Her dear, late husband William retired as a New York/New Jersey Transit Police Officer and they enjoyed a 55 year marriage. They both were talented artists (a little known fact) and created numerous oil paintings over their lifetime. Lee particularly dabbled in every art and craft imaginable as well as keeping up with her many hobbies which included pets of all kinds. Lee's first born grandchild was Jeri Ann Elson, followed by Lisa Marie, daughters of Barbara and Jerry of Fort Lee. Her first born loving grandson is William Albert, son of William and Christine Geraczynski of Lyndhurst. Lee was fondly known by the grandchildren as "grandma" or "Me Ma" Lee. Both Leonilda and William were happy, active, and loving grandparents. Lee was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Florence, and youngest son, Michael. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, son and daughter William and Barbara and her three grandchildren and spouses, as well as other family members and friends whose lives she has touched throughout her lifetime. "A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the BEST."