Mrs. Geraldine Ann Brady

Herrin- Geraldine Ann Brady, 86, of Herrin, passed away at 9:25 AM, Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at HerrinHospital.  Gerry was born on April 20, 1927 in the Brightmoor area of Detroit, MI.  She was the daughter of an electrician, William A. Brady and her mother; Elizabeth (O’Connell) Brady of Albany, NY.  She attended Detroit public schools, graduated, and worked at Detroit National Bank as an elevator operator where she met her future husband, Ronald Mertz.  They were united in marriage in June of 1952.  Most of her life she was a homemaker, raising four children.  She was also an Avon Lady, selling cosmetics door to door.  She later enrolled in beauty school where she completed her studies.   While in Detroit she was a member of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church where she volunteered cleaning the church and sewing for the Women’s Cancer Society.  Later in life, she was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin when she moved to southern Illinois.  Gerry was an inspiration for the “Modern Woman”, keeping up with the times and always smiling.  Recently she was a resident of ShawneeChristianNursingCenter in Herrin and loved all the staff and residents.  She loved everyone she met and tried to comfort others around her who were less fortunate.  Gerry had many hobbies besides her grandchildren.  She was a ballroom dancer, and was a member of the VFW and Moon Dusters Club in Detroit.  She loved to sing everywhere she went and she also liked to sing Karaoke.  Ireland was her homeland and she loved Irish traditions.  She was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet.  She accepted everyone and never had a harsh word to say about anyone.  God bless you Mother.  We will see you in Heaven.  Survivors include-  Son- Ronald Joseph Mertz of Herrin Daughter- Susan Elizabeth Henderson of Herrin Son- Brian Patrick Mertz of Detroit, MI Four Grandchildren- Chrissy, Amy, Michael and Jennifer Rose Proud great grandmother to – Anthony, Audrey, Destiny, Abigail, Alyssa, David and Kateland Former husband- Ronald Mertz of Ft. Myers, FL She was preceded in death by her parents, her second son- Michael William Mertz, her beloved brother- William J. Brady, and her dear sister- Elizabeth “Betty” Brady-Nemeth.  Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.  A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 13, 2013 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin.  Monsignor Thomas D. Flach will officiate.   A funeral mass will also be held at 9:30 AM, Saturday, September 14, 2013 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sterling Heights, MI.  Fr. Mike Quaine will officiate.  Burial will follow at ResurrectionCemetery in Clinton Township, MI.  Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13^th St/ Herrin, IL  62948.