Mrs. Geraldine (Gerry) Mary Burnside, 87, was peacefully reunited with her Lord and Savior after a lifetime of service on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Gerry was a resident of Duryea for over 60 years and was the wife of the late Arthur Burnside, who passed away on August 20, 2009. She spent her final days with her daughter, Joyce in Bloomsburg.

Gerry was born in Laflin, the daughter of the late Joseph and Nellie Abromovage Oley. The youngest of 3 siblings, Gerry spent many halcyon days in the waters of Harding with her brothers through her youth. Gerry graduated from West Pittston High School and received a Practical Degree of Nursing. After graduating Gerry met the love of her life. The two married, started a family, and had an idyllic marriage of 54 years before Art’s passing.

Gerry and Art had 3 children. She supported the kids and Arthur as a stay at home mother, helping put all 3 of them through college. Once the kids grew, Gerry also worked for 15 years as a valued employee of Duryea Sportswear. She had many cats and dogs which she loved; though her favorite was Binkey. Gerry was a devout Catholic and helped share and evangelize her faith through years of CCD teaching. She led a life of piety and instilled those values in her children. She loved Patsy Cline, sewing, Shirley Temple, Hallmark movies, a good laugh, and above all, spoiling her grandchildren.

The pride of her adult life were said grandchildren. Gerry sacrificed countless hours caring for the triad. She retired from her job to focus fully on their care. She was an avid cook, and made the “greatest Chicken Noodle Soup in the world” per the writer of this obituary. There was never a toy her grandkids wanted that Grammy wouldn’t get them; just don’t tell Dad! Once her grandkids were no longer kids and moved to college, Gerry also took special care in seeing her two great nephews Leon and Ivan. Gerry was extraordinarily generous with her time, possessions and efforts. She was an invaluable and beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, woman, and friend, and will be missed incalculably.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gerry was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Oley and Francis “Frank” Oley. She is survived by her three children; Arthur Burnside and his wife, Jackie, of Wheeling, West Virginia, Dr. Joyce Burnside and her husband, Dr. William Rakauskas, of Bloomsburg, Beverly Free and her husband, Michael, of Springbrook and her 3 grandchildren, Brian, Nicholas, and Adrianna Rakauskas.

The family would like to thank her caretakers Kitty Dommes, Joey, Brenda, Amy, Melissa, Tracy, Carson, Compassus Healthcare and all others for exemplary care allowing Gerry to live her last years to their fullest.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 10:30 am in Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea by Rev, Michael Bryant. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:30 am to the time of the mass. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. In lieu of flowers the family would implore interested patrons to make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. To leave an online condolence for Gerry’s family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

We send our sincerest condolences and sympathy . Gerry was a such a lovely and friendly; kind and sweet woman to know! Very much enjoyed our neighborly meet ups and conversations

(11 months ago)

Joyce, Bill Brian, Nicholas, Adriana

Marge and Dan Murphy (11 months ago)

Joyce, Bill Brian ,Adriana, Nicholas

Marge/Dan Murphy (11 months ago)

To all that knew Gerry … we first got to know each other when I was coordinator of Reiigious Ed and she was part of our staff as Sacrament teacher for second grade … she was a warm .. happy.. giving .. woman whom the children loved dearly… it was a pleasure to work with and know her for so many years … Rest in Peace .. Good and faithful servant!

Judy Lambert (11 months ago)

Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Vern and Sarah Malin (11 months ago)

Joyce, I wish to offer my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Mom. I had the pleasure of meeting her while caring for your Dad in CICU...both were wonderful people. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Ani

Ann Kielbasa (11 months ago)

Oh Mrs. Burnside what happy memories of being taught about the first Eucharist when I received in 1992. I am thankful for her deep Catholic faith as it formed me into who I am today. She always took time to talk to me as I grew up. There isn't a doubt she has earned her e Heavenly reward.

Jef Bauman (11 months ago)

So very sorry for the loss of your mom.

Mary Galuska (11 months ago)

We are so sorry for your loss. The world is a little less bright without this beloved one in it. May your memories be a comfort.

Drs. Susan and Stephen Paolucci (11 months ago)

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