Geraldine M. DiGrazia obituary

Geraldine M. DiGrazia Obituary

Reno, Nevada, United States

September 29, 1923 - December 13, 2016

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Geraldine M. DiGrazia obituary

Geraldine M. DiGrazia Obituary

Sep 29, 1923 - Dec 13, 2016

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Geraldine M. DiGrazia (nee Streshley)September 29, 1923December 13, 2016Geraldine M. DiGrazia (nee Streshley) passed away of natural causes on December 13th, in Boise, ID. Geraldine DiGrazia was born on September 29th, 1923 on the family ranch near Austin, Nevada. The ranch had no running water, no indoor plumbing and no electricity. As she grew up she worked side by side with her brothers Joe and Tucker (Lee) Streshley on the ranch. Her early education was received in a one room school house, she later attended high school in Austin and graduated in 1940. Her transportation to and from school in those early years was sometimes by horseback. Upon graduating from high school she matriculated to the University of Nevada-Reno. She graduated three years later with a BS in Home Economics, Math and Science. She took her first job as a traveling teacher in Lincoln County, Nevada. She worked in Pioche as a Home Economics Teacher, along with traveling to Lincoln County High School in Caliente to teacher as well. She met her husband, Joseph E. DiGrazia of Wells, Nevada at dance after World War II. Joe (Sonny) had just come home from serving in the Pacific Theater, he served honorably for US Navy on aircraft carriers. They married on June 9th, 1947 in Reno, Nevada. Her son Dr. Robert E. DiGrazia came soon after in 1948, then the family added a daughter, Donna (Gailey) in 1950. The young family started their life in Wells, Nevada. Gerry and Sonny worked side-by-side owning and operating DiGrazia Wholesale. She was known as the "general" of the operation. They were in business together from 1952-1999, when they sold the business and ushered in the retirement years. Their retired years were spent in San Diego, California and Sun Lakes, Arizona during the winter months, when the weather in Wells was just too cold for Gerry. Gerry enjoyed their time spent in the sun and relaxed with many new friends. Gerry was fond of charitable causes that benefitted her family's home town. She was instrumental in establishing the Wells Municipal Golf Course (Chimney Rock). She volunteered time for the Well Business Professional Women's Association, where she and other prominent ladies in Wells worked tirelessly to establish a library, park and the beloved town swimming pool. She was also very active in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church Alter Society. She was always giving of her time to families in need within the community. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Marie (Borrego) Streshley, her brothers Joe and Tucker (Lee) Streshley. And her loving Aunt 's Philomena Borrego and Louise Vigus. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Joseph (Sonny) DiGrazia. Her two children Dr. Bob (Susan) DiGrazia of Boise, ID and Donna (Boyd) Gailey of Carson City, NV. Her 5 grand-children, Brian (Brianna) Gailey, Amanda (Ty) McMillen, Julia DiGrazia, Madeline (Mark) Pacold and Joseph P. DiGrazia. She also found joy in the newest generation of her family with 4 great-grandchildren; Adam, Mya, Brandon and Nora. She is survived by many other loving family members and dear friends, in which there are too many to name. The family would like to thank all the care-givers at Edgewood-Spring Creek Care in Meridian, Idaho. In particular, the family would like to thank Lisa, Martha, Camille, and Monica for their dedicated care of Gerry while she was living in Boise. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Gerry's name to the Next Dollar Foundation or the McGargle Alumni Fund at PO BOX 365 Wells, NV 89835. These foundations will use the donations to support members of the Wells Community, which was something Gerry cared very deeply for. The family will host a memorial in the coming spring in Wells and Austin.
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