Geraldine H. Broderick

Geraldine Heffron Broderick, 88, passed away at Lakeland Medical Center in St Joseph on March 1, 2015 surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor, MI with Father Mike Rejent officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the service at the church.  Memorial donations may be made to  St. John’s / St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Those wishing to sign Gerry’s memory book may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gerry was born April 2, 1926 to Thomas and Alice (Gannon) Heffron.  She graduated from Sienna High School, Chicago, IL with high honors in short-hand and typing.  Gerry spent her early adult years employed as a secretary in Chicago, working in the loop for insurance and tax firms.  After a whirlwind, 14 year courtship, she married Edward T. Broderick on December 1, 1956 and moved to Benton Harbor MI. Gerry lived a very busy life raising kids, being a care-giver for aging relatives, supporting the family farm, taking responsibility for the bookkeeping and finances.  Gerry also supported Ed during his 25 years as Hagar Township supervisor, running the township office from their home in the early years of marriage.  Gerry’s kitchen was a gathering place for farmers and township residents looking to conduct business, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and catching up on current events.  The family would like to thank the Lakeland Health Care System and Hospice for their care and support during Gerry’s short illness. Gerry will always be remembered for her devout Catholic faith, and her love, loyalty and support of family.  Her strength and ability to manage through life’s great challenges continues to be an inspiration.  She will be greatly missed. Gerry is survived by her six children; four sons, William, Ed Jr. (Danyl), John, Michael (Lisa) Broderick, two daughters Mary (Ted) Weber and Susan (Michael) Herrmann.  Gerry was blessed with 8 loving grandchildren; Kate and Liz Weber, Kelly, Megan and Amy Broderick, Julianna Herrmann, Edward T (III) and Lily Broderick.  Gerry was preceded in death by her husband Edward Broderick, parents Tom and Alice Heffron, a brother John Heffron, and a grandson Ryan Broderick.