With grace and style, Geraldine (Gerry) Yavor lived her life to the fullest.  She was unstoppable.  Born on April 8, 1936 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn NY to Chester and Sophia (Sally) Stasulewicz, Gerry was always proud of her Polish-American heritage.  When just two years old, Gerry contracted polio and that set her course of fierce determination, not only to survive the illness but to excel in life.

At an early age, Gerry showed a talent for music and after studying with excellent voice coaches and instructors she mastered the concert accordion and a wide repertoire of music.  Gerry appeared on various television shows including the Merry Mailman with Ray Heatherton and sang on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House.  At age 14, Gerry founded an all-girl band, Gerry Steele and the Latinettes.  With elaborate custom-designed costumes and managed by her parents, the band began playing in local Brooklyn clubs and then began frequent tours throughout the Catskills, New England and Canada. In later years the band reinvented itself as she formed The Steele Sisters(with her sister, Gloria) and Brother Chet!  This band performed at a variety of supper clubs and large venue dance halls. Gerry retired from music to raise her daughter, but in the late 1960s she began a second career in Perth Amboy political circles.  Gerry was elected a Democratic committeewoman and gradually became active in many local and statewide election campaigns.  She proudly served as Chief Legislative Aide for Assemblyman George Otlowski (D-19) and also managed Campaign Headquarters for local candidates.  She was a talented recruiter and her volunteer groups were legendary for their inexhaustible dedication.

After retiring from employment, Gerry's energy was transformed as she devoted her time to volunteering.  Gerry was a committed member of the Raritan Bay Medical Center Auxiliary where she served in various fundraising and leadership positions, including President of the group.  Gerry was also active in the Edison AARP #3346 where she chaired various committees. Likewise, Gerry served multiple terms as President and Chaplain of the Edison Oak Tree Senior Citizens.  No matter what meetings or functions she attended, Gerry was renowned for leading the group in her favorite anthem "God Bless America".

But if you knew Gerry, you knew that the focal point of her life was her daughter, Venus.  Gerry was the epitome of a proud mother and their bonds of love will extend through eternity.

Gerry passed on April 7, 2021, as she completed her 84 ^th year and she joins her beloved husband, George, son-in-law, Gary Majeski and her sister Gloria in heaven. Gerry is survived by her cherished daughter, Venus; her precious brother Chester Steele and wife Patti Coliskey and devoted friends who became family.  Her puppy, Bonnie, still waits for "Grandma" to come home.

Friends who wish to remember Gerry's spirit of generosity are requested to make a donation to the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, 10A Oak Drive, Edison NJ 08837 or online at: www.NJID.org

A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 10:15 am at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen. Burial is private.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863.