Geraldine M (Owens) Hurlbut Obituary
Geraldine M. Owens Hurlbut, 92, of Glenview, IL, and Door County, WI, was born in April 1933 and raised off the shores of Lake Michigan in the far Northside neighborhood of Rogers Park in Chicago. Geraldine passed peacefully with her loved ones surrounding her at home in Door County, WI, and is now reunited with the heavens on August 23, 2025.
Gerry, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family and friends. We ask that you remember Gerry for the kind, loving, and generous spirit that she exhibited throughout her life. Her door was always open with a ready smile and a welcoming nature.
After she graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Chicago, Gerry attended Barat College in Lake Forest, IL, and embarked on her lifelong mission of education. Her dedication to her chosen profession and desire to bring light and learning to countless children over 30 years epitomized her joyful and generous nature. Outside of her dedicated teaching career, Gerry was a devoted wife to Willis, "Bill", and a loving and supportive mentor to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and resided in Glenview IL for decades, along with Door County, WI. Gerry loved reading, classical music, plays, old movies, and travel, but most of all, Gerry loved people, old friends, new friends, and her family. Gerry lived her life as scripture taught her, "love thy neighbor as yourself", which reflected her Catholic values and her loving heart.
Gerry was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willis A. Hurlbut, and son, John J. Hurlbut; her parents, Maurice and Sadye Owens; sisters, Maurene Owens, Rosemary Shelly, and Madonna Young; and brother, Maurice Owens. In-laws, Willis & Marie Hurlbut, and Aunt Mary Claver Dooley. Gerry is survived by her loving children: her son, Willis A. Hurlbut, and daughter, Mary Nicolay. Gerry's grandchildren, whom she adored and who adored her, Forrest Bruchert & wife Monika, Shawna Bruchert, Terra Bruchert, and step-grandson, Ian Stark. She also leaves behind her dear great-grandchildren, Kaitlin, Michelle, and Troy Bruchert, and step-great-granddaughter, Asa Stark. Gerry is also survived by many fond nieces and nephews, godchildren, and friends.
A private celebration of life memorial mass for Geraldine M. Owens Hurlbut will be held in October at OLPH Catholic Church in Glenview, with internment to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to: Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org.
