Geraldine Shirley (Heffner) Hughes

Geraldine Shirley (Heffner) Hughes, 93, of Temple, died July 11, 2025 at Tower Health – Reading Hospital, West Reading, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was the widow of James Joseph Hughes, Jr., who died December 2, 1987. 

Born October 16, 1931, in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Samuel Jacob and Agnes (Heffner) Heffner.  One of 11 children, Geraldine was the last surviving child. 

Geraldine was a 1949 graduate of Reading High School. 

She retired from W.R. Grace where she worked for over 30 years. 

Geraldine was a member of Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, Hyde Park. 

A passionate reader with a love for butterflies and angels, she found beauty and meaning in the small, quiet moments of life. Geraldine cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, and especially her love of baking—always eager to pass along a favorite recipe or treat. She loved her annual trips to Cape May, NJ, where she and her husband vacationed each fall.  Whether walking her beloved dog or tending to her vibrant garden, she embraced each day with grace and gratitude. Her gentle spirit and nurturing presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. 

She was the mother of the late Alan J. Hughes, Sr., husband of Carol (Knarr) of Gibraltar; Thomas J. Hughes, husband of Barbara A. (Hill) of Muhlenberg Township; and the late Stephen J. Hughes. 

Geraldine was blessed with nine grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.  Sadly, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Alan J. Hughes, Jr. 

She will be sadly missed by all, especially her dog, Chloe. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 23rd at 11 a.m. at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading.  A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.  Entombment will follow the mass at Gethsemane Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604. 

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com. 

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