Obituary of Sister Geraldine Podobnik, OSF, RN
Sister Geraldine (Carmelyn) Podobnik, OSF, passed into eternal life at Edward Hospital, Naperville, Illinois, on the morning of Monday, March 10, 2025. After a life time of bringing hope and healing to the people of Illinois and Ohio as a registered nurse, she found comfort and peace in the presence of her loving God.
Sister Geraldine (Geri) attended St. Mary Nativity Grade School, St. Francis Academy (1952-1956) and the College of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. After earning her BA (1961) from the College of St. Francis, Sister Geraldine pursued an RN (1967-1970) at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, Joliet, Illinois. She became a licensed professional nurse (1970) and served in Illinois and Ohio. She was a member of the Oncology Nurses Association of Ohio and the American Cancer Society.
Sister Geraldine began her professional ministry as a primary elementary school teacher at St. Rita of Cascia School (1961-1963) Aurora, Illinois; St. Mary’s School (1963-1966) Des Plaines, Illinois; St. Joseph’s School (1966-1967) Joliet, Illinois. After receiving her RN, Sister Geraldine’s first work as a staff nurse (1970-1972) was at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. She moved to Toledo, Ohio, where she became a medical-surgical staff nurse (1970–1974) at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. In Oregon, Ohio, Sister Geraldine worked as the Patient Care Coordinator of Medical-Surgery (1974-1979) at Mercy Health St. Charles Hospital. She became the Director of Medical-Surgical Oncology Nursing at Flower Memorial Hospital, (1979) Toledo, Ohio, a position she maintained for 11 years. At Mercy Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Homewood, Illinois, (1990-1995) Sister Geraldine, the Director of Nursing, developed nursing programs and continued to define standards of care that promoted excellence and wellness. When she returned to Joliet, Illinois, (1995) she became the Director of Health and Wellness for the Joliet Franciscans while maintaining a position at the Quick Care Department of the Joliet Medical Group. Sister Geraldine loved being an RN. She worked with the underserved through the Will County Community Health Care Center (2005-2011) as Director of the Pharmacy Assistance Program. Even in her retirement, Sister Geraldine reached out (2012-2022) offering compassion and support to the sick by providing home health care services. Her dedication to those with serious illnesses was unparalleled. A beacon of hope, she will be missed by all.
A native of Joliet, Sister Geraldine, was one of five children born to the late Mary Ann (Senffner) and Frank J. Podobnik. Her brothers Frank, Joseph and Raymond preceded her in death. Sister Geraldine is survived by her sister Susan A. (Michael) Fittro of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She will be remembered fondly by her nephew Kevin (Tonja) Fittro, her nieces Lisa (Mark) Ziniel, Lovey A. Thomas, her beloved and faithful cousin, Bill Berra, and numerous grand-nieces, grand-nephews, colleagues and friends.
Visitation for Sister Geraldine Podobnik will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 North Hickory Street, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Shared memories will take place immediately following the Mass in the Church. All are invited to attend. Inurnment will take place privately at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, IL 60446, on a later date.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Geraldine Podobnik or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
