Winifred Marie Gerkin

Winifred (Winnie) Gerkin   A beautiful woman passed away on November 28, 2015.  Winifred Hanon was born in Texas.  She met Elmer Gerkin in Kansas while working as a secretary.  He was stationed nearby with the Air Force.  They married there in 1945, moved to California (into Curtis Park, where Elmer’s family had resided for generations).  It was there that Janet Gerkin Chavez and Robert Elmer Gerkin were born.  Elmer predeceased Winnie in December, 1996.  In addition to her children, Winnie is survived by numerous nieces and nephews:  Paul (Steve) Traynor (and his wife Kathy), the son of Winnie’s cherished sister, Berniece Traynor; David Miller (and his wife Tonya and their children Mark and Keren [Keren’s husband Andy Erdman] and Mark’s son Aiden) and Lourice Miller (with her husband Steve Williams and her daughter Janelle, Janelle’s husband Joe Weigel and granddaughter Jolie) (David and Lourice are children of her beloved sister-in-law Lolita Miller) and former brother-in-law Larry Miller; Bill Markson (and his partner Faith) and Tom Markson (Bill and Tom are the sons of Elmer’s cousin Eleanor Markson).  Winnie’s home was a magnet for her Curtis Park neighbors (and their dogs – she was known s the ‘Doggie Grandma’).  This beloved matriarch of her street will be sorely missed.  She was also an integral part of a social luncheon group for 46 years that grew out of her many years working at DMV.  Her friendships with Teri, Ginger, Ben, Ted, Carlene, and Joann were very special to her.  Janet, Robb and the rest of Winnie’s family and friends will surely miss this woman who, amazingly, never received a parking or speeding ticket.Friends are welcome at Gormley and Sons Funeral Chapel, 2015 Capitol Avenue on Thursday from 3 - 7 p.m.  A rosary will be held there at 7 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3263 First Avenue, where she was a longtime parishioner.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 6700 21st Avenue.