Geraldine T. (Zimny) Faivre of De Kalb, IL passed away at her home on November 25th, 2021, at the age of 83.

Geri was born in Aurora, IL to Raymond and Margaret (Hartman) Zimny on March 17, 1938.  She attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic School and was a 1956 graduate of Naperville Community High School.

After graduation, she worked as an Efficiency Expert at Western Electric Co. in Cicero, IL.  Geri was active with roller skate dancing and with the Dominic Club, a Catholic social club for singles, which is where she met the love of her life.  Chuck and Geri were married on August 22, 1964 and together found joy in raising their eleven children.

Geri was a faithful wife and mother.  Along with her husband, she worked with the children on their many 4-H projects, which involved raising cattle and pigs, planting gardens, and showing horses. They also made sure there was a good measure of adventure along the way, with summer trips to Colorado and getaways to their recreational farm, where the children enjoyed trail riding their horses. Geri raised her family with a strong set of values, and as her faith deepened in her later years, she prayed every day for each of her children and grandchildren to trust in Jesus and live their lives for him.

Geri's hobbies included reading, baking, gardening, knitting and quilting. She found delight in blessing others through her hobbies. Each of her grandchildren received a personalized baby quilt when they were born and a homemade ornament for Christmas each year. She also donated baby quilts to DeKalb County Quilt Guild's "Generosity Project." Geri was a loved and admired member of her community. She cared for others in many ways, including as a volunteer for Hospice. She was known by all for her generosity and love for those less fortunate. She lived her life in service to others and modeled living by faith in difficult circumstances.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Larry (Debbie) Faivre of Crescent City, FL, Dan (Libby) Faivre of DeKalb, Ken (Jill) Faivre of DeKalb, Chuck (Linda) Faivre of DeKalb, Ray (Cheryl) Faivre of DeKalb, Mark (Chong Suk) Faivre of Kapolei, HI, Scott (Cindy) Faivre of DeKalb, Bill (Michelle) Faivre of LaMoille, IL, Tony (Beth) Faivre of DeKalb, Michelle (Paul) Connolly of Chicago, IL; 24 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Raymond Zimny of Naperville, IL and Martin (Pam) Zimny of Ooltewah, TN; and she will be lovingly remembered by her close circle of friends, her sewing group, who she has met with regularly for over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; their daughter, Linda Faivre; her parents; and her sister, Betty Marshall.

The mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church in DeKalb at 10:30 AM on November 30th.  Burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in DeKalb.  Visitation will be on Monday November 29th from 5-7 PM at Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St in DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, Geri's family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to We Care Pregnancy or Feed My Starving Children.

The family would like to offer sincere appreciation to the staff of Dr. Thakkar and Lehans pharmacy.

Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.