Geraldine 'Geri' (Stocco) Vasta

Geraldine (Geri) Vasta, 93, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, on March 18, 2024. Geri was born January 15, 1931, in Chicago, IL, to the late Salvatore James and Matilda (Simonini) Stocco. Her sisters, Pauline and Josephine, preceded her in death.

On November 28, 1953, Geri married the love of her life, the late Professor Edward Vasta, Ph.D. (1928-2017). She is survived by their six children, John (Jane) Vasta, Paula (Al) Stevens, Joseph (Tamara) Vasta, Catherine Robinson, Barbara (Wayne) Kampa, and Salvatore (Suong) Vasta; 18 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Geri is known for living a hard-working, selfless life for her family. She possessed a variety of gifts and talents, which she used to create works of art for her home and to host gatherings that brought family and friends together. She was particularly gifted at painting and ceramics, and she spent much of her time after raising her six children to adulthood creating art in her studio at the lake house Up North. Her quiet competitive nature inspired her love of fishing, which was reinforced by her ability to catch the biggest fish. Her selflessness and creativity were also reflected in how she cared for her flower gardens and the little backyard critters. Her love for the sun influenced the illustrations she drew for Edward's Mud Pie Mysteries (OakTara, February 12, 2014). She was able to satisfy her adventurous side by traveling, reading books, and taking a casual interest in various cultural, musical, and intellectual pursuits. She greeted many friends, family, and friends of friends with a warm welcome and a table set with exquisite Italian cuisine. She also shared her hospitality, hosting numerous departmental parties for faculty and VIP guests to support Edward's position as Chairperson of the English Department. She was an active member of the Ladies of Notre Dame. Her family looks up to her for her beauty, poise, and humility.

Funeral services for Geri will take place at the McGann Hay University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Rd., South Bend, on Friday, March 22, 2024, at noon, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery will take place following the service.

Donations are asked to be sent to Heartland Hospice at www.Heartlandhospice.com.