Mary Geraldine (Vallie) Visina, 86, was born December 4, 1932, in Duluth, MN to Gerald and Anne (Potochney) Vallie, the oldest of 10 children. She passed away on May 10, 2019, at her home in Yukon, OK.
Her father had her baptized on December 8, 1932, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Duluth, MN, where she was a member for 26 years.
Mary “Gerry” met her future husband, Charles E. Visina “Chuck” while they were in high school, graduating together in 1950 from Cathedral Catholic High School. They were married on June 21, 1952, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Duluth, MN. From this union of marriage, they reared seven children.
In November of 1958, they moved from Duluth to Yukon, OK, when Chuck transferred with his job to Western Electric.
Gerry was an active wife and mother in the lives of her family. She was a homeroom mom, school cook, driver and chaperone for field trips and events. She rarely ever missed her children’s school or sporting activities or other events. Her home was always open to her children’s friends, and she fed many of them lunch while they were in junior and senior high school. She also hosted her children’s teenage celebrations and parties. When grandchildren arrived, she made every attempt to attend their events, activities and graduations, not only in Oklahoma, but all around the country.
An active member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Yukon for over 60 years, Gerry was a member of the Altar Society and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. She was devoted to both the church and school.
For more than 50 years, Gerry enjoyed her ladies Bunco group and treasured the many friendships.
She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Charles E. Visina, Jr.; oldest daughter, Anne M. Visina; parents; sister, Roberta Wilmers; brothers, Dan Vallie and Bill Vallie; Visina family in-laws and Steve Erickson.
Gerry is survived by her husband, Charles E. Visina, Sr.; daughters, Susie (Gary) Jester and Mary (Gordon) McMillan; sons, Tim Visina, Michael (Stephanie) Visina and John (Debbie) Visina, and daughter-in-law, Jenny Visina. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren and their spouses; 25 great-grandchildren; siblings: Tom (Libby) Vallie, John (Leslie) Vallie, Larry (Rae) Vallie, Barbara (Curt) Lindbeck, Kathy (Tom) Majchrzak and Patty Erickson; in-laws, Bob Wilmers and Kay Vallie; special cousin, Peggy Campbell, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Viewing will be held 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday, May 16 at Yanda & Son Funeral Home, Yukon, OK. Wake services will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 16, and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 17, with both services being held at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, Yukon, OK.
Following Mass, interment of Mary Geraldine along with her daughter Anne’s ashes will be held at the Yukon Cemetery, Yukon, OK.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, P.O. Box 850249, Yukon, OK 73085.
Online condolences may be signed at http://www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
