Geraldine "Gerri" Zaleski Heron

Geraldine “Gerri” Zaleski Heron, age 81, of Great Valley, NY died Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at her home.

Born February 13, 1936 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Helen Zalewski.

She attended and graduated from Salamanca High School. At age 48, she attended and graduated from the Practical Nursing Program at BOCES in Ellicottville, NY.

Gerri had done private care and home nursing care for many years. She worked for the Seneca Nation of Indians as a Community Health Nurse. Previously, she had been a substitute School Nurse at Cattaraugus Little Valley School.

She was a member of Holy Name of Mary Church and its choir. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296 Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as past President and as the past County President. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Ellicottville, the Holy Cross Athletic Club, the Seniors of Great Valley, the national and local AARP, and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross. She loved all her children and grandchildren and especially loved the times they shared. She loved her friends and faithful dog, Samantha and enjoyed dancing, exercising, camping, and traveling.

Surviving are: five children, Michael Nosal, Mark (Gladys) Nosal, Thomas Nosal, Patricia (Steve Taylor) Reyes, Robert (Renee) Nosal; her companion of over 25 years, Harold Clark; a sister, Marie Sloand; eight grandchildren, Dylan Nosal, Justin McClune, Christopher Nosal, Andrea Werley, Jessica Camden, Daniel Reyes, Jordan Nosal, Jacob Nosal; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three brothers, Eugene Zaleski, William Zaleski, and Daniel Zaleski.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home on Monday, November 20, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., at which time a prayer service will be held.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Holy Name of Mary Church with Rev. Ron Mierzwa, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.