Geraldine “Gerry” Mae Sodja, age 75 of East Helena and Mesa, Arizona died Saturday morning, May 26th at Cooney Convalescent Home in Helena.
Gerry was born in Helena on January 21, 1937 to Daniel John and Laura Belle Reardon. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic School in East Helena during grade school. After graduating from Helena High School, she worked at the telephone company for a short time period before opening her own day care in her home. Gerry continued to care for children for 27 years in East Helena before relocating to Mesa, Arizona, for husband Lester’s job in 1987.
Gerry loved kids, especially babies. Some of the children she babysat became lifelong friends of hers and her own children. She also cared for many of her own nieces and nephews. Gerry had a special gift and true passion for children.
Gerry’s home was always open to everyone and she loved entertaining her guests. One of her favorite hobbies was garage saling and swap meets in Arizona to find gifts for friends and family. You never know what treasures she would bring home, and we all looked forward to receiving Gerry’s treasures!
Gerry and Lester were expert polka dancers and would attend many festivals all around the states. One of their fondest memories was a polka tour though Yugoslavia in 1973.
We will miss Gerry’s sense of humor, kindness and her love for everyone.
Survivors include: her husband Lester John Sodja of 55 years; daughters, Laura Stansberry of San Diego, CA, Anna Albertson of Helena, Patty Sodja of Puyallup, WA; Sons, Rick (Maryetta) Sodja of Canyon Ferry Lake, Mark Sodja of Helena; sisters, Mickey (Ed) Prebil of East Helena, Ardis Kokoruda of East Helena, Colleen (Ed) Marks of Missoula; brother, Tim (Irene) Reardon of Walla Walla, WA. Surviving grandchildren include: John and James Stansberry of San Diego, Jordan Albertson of Helena, Kaycee Gillespie of Portland, OR, Colter and Jacob Sodja of Canyon Ferry Lake.
Vigil Service will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 30th, at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church in East Helena with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery following the reception. Memorials in Gerry’s name may be sent to St. Peter’s Alzheimer’s Fund c/o St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
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Allen Stenhjem Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family God Bless
Debbie Hrella DeMers says
I have great memories of Gerry. Colleen and I spent many a nights at her kitchen table playing Yahtzee. We shared tons of laughs. She always welcomed us “girls” with open arms.
Diane Dietrich Eby says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sodja family. Sorry for your loss. Gerry was a very special person.
Fred and Judy Bakke says
To Anna and family.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you. God Bless.
Glen Cuchine says
One of East Helena’s finest treasures; Gerry was the best. My thoughts and prayers go out to her many family members and legions of friends. God Bless.
Julie Rader says
We are so sorry for the loss of you mom. If there is anything we can do please let us know. God Bless.
Scott, Julie and Brayden Rader
Marge Fleisner Charlton says
I am so very sorry to learn of Gerry’s passing. We grew up together . . . St. Ann’s and Helena High. She was always a friend and I know she will be missed by all of you.
Mary Jean (Rigler) DeGroat says
I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sandie & Jim Stiffler says
Les & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim says
My thoughts are with you all. What great memories I have growing up with all the Reardons. What a great family. With love, Sandra
Tracy Stenhjem says
Condolences from the Stenhjem’s. She was a good person and will be missed by many.
Valerie and Jim Hand says
Will be thinking of all of you today. Your Mom was special and touched the lives of so many people.