Geraldine A. 'Jerry' Defabis

Geraldine (Jerry) DeFabis, 79, of Indianapolis passed away on January 21. She was born on May 11, 1932 to the late Aurelia and LeRoy Groth. She grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated from East High School. Jerry met Ernie DeFabis in 1952 when he was stationed in the Air Force in Sioux City. They married in 1953 and settled in Indianapolis. Ernie precded her in death in 2010. She is survived by a sister Pauline Bonderson, brothers Virgil and Gene Groth, her children Diana Arnold, Joe (Terri) DeFabis, Dan DeFabis, Jenny (Ron) Alexander, Mary Earles, John (Staci) DeFabis, a dear niece Sherry (Manny) Reckas, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Jerry was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved to entertain in her home, which was the site of many celebrations over the years. She was a gracious hostess and everyone always enjoyed the delicious food and beautiful setting she provided for her family and friends on many occasions. She spent many years volunteering her time for St. Michael the Archangel Church, the CYO, and St. Augustine Home in Indianapolis. She served on the CYO Board of Directors and was awarded the St. John Bosco Award and Msgr. Busold Award from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Jerry's favorite sports teams were any teams that her grandchildren played on. She played a very active role in her grandchildren's lives and all of them will remember the wonderful holidays where grandma spoiled them with lots of gifts and their favorite foods. Jerry suffered from Alzheimer's for several years and her family members are strong advocates of supporting the Alzheimer's Association. Donations may be made in Jerry's honor to the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to thank the staff at Zionsville Meadows Nursing Home and Harbor Lights Hospice for the special care they provided to Jerry. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 3354 W. 30th Street, Indianapolis with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Washington Park North Cemetery, 2702 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr. Online condolences and video tribute to Geraldine may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan