Elvira M. Geder

Elvira M. (DiLuca) Geder, 83, former longtime resident of Reading, passed away January 8, 2010 at her home at Sunrise Assisted Living of Lynnfield after a long illness. She was the wife for 60 years of the late Carl H. Geder. Born in Boston to the late Antonio & Leonora DiLuca of Malden, Mrs. Geder, affectionately known as Alvie, graduated Malden High School Class of 1945. She worked at City Service as a secretary before her October 16, 1948 marriage to her beloved Carl.





Alvie's greatest honor and accomplishment in life was devoted wife and mother to her family of 7 children. She loved to cook and bake, and her culinary specialties were hard to surpass. Once her health no longer afforded her to spend time in her kitchen, she retreated to the den and continued her interest watching cooking programs on television.





Alvie possessed a natural ability to make lasting friendships wherever she went, and her warm, engaging smile was unforgettable. Always one to enjoy people and conversations, she was the ultimate social butterfly who was the life of the party and entertained everyone with her trademark "Alvieisms." She loved the thrill of bargain shopping and coming home with her treasured finds. Alvie was a unique individual in her fashion sense and style and loved anything in her wardrobe that had a sparkle to match her own.





After her last child went off to school, she enjoyed working for the Town of Reading as a cafeteria employee for many years, serving generations of children in multiple schools throughout Reading until retiring in 1991. In the years following, Alvie immensely enjoyed encountering former students who kindly remembered her from their formative years in school.





Every June when school ended, Alvie and her children spent wondrous summers over a span of 35 years at their cottage in Plymouth. When her declining health prevented her from enjoying summers away from home, she was left with a profound sadness and longing for the happiness of the good old days. Many wonderful, warm memories of her effervescent presence have remained there with family and summertime friends and will be a constant reminder of the joy and light she left behind.





She also represented Avon for many years selling products within the community, and was proud to receive acknowledgement as a member of the President's Club for her remarkable sales.





Alvie had the wonderful opportunity of traveling extensively with her husband, Carl, domestically and enjoyed several overseas trips. She was delighted to join Reading seniors on many bus trips to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun casinos. Alvie's favorite card game was Black Jacks, and she never met a slot machine she didn't like!





She possessed a feisty, indomitable personality and spirit all through the ups and downs in her life. She outlived 2 of her grandchildren. Alvie's amazing courage to survive relentless battles with multiple illnesses and setbacks was truly inspirational to her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Her legacy is a beautiful combination of love, joy, strength, hope, and to never give up without a fight.





In the last months of her life, she won the hearts of all the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living of Lynnfield who cared deeply for her and suffered as much as her family when she passed on.





Mrs. Geder is survived by her loving children, Helen Filippone and her husband Leonard of Reading, Karol Peralta and her husband Antonio of Wakefield, Carl S. Geder of Wilmington, Stephen Geder of Medford, Luanne D'Entremont and her husband Keith, Marilyn Foley and her husband Timothy, all of Reading and David Geder and his wife Katherine of Marshfield. Also by her cherished sister, Adeline Caruso, and brother, James DiLuca and the late Cecelia Sensale, Angelo, Joseph & Phillip DiLuca. She was adored by grandchildren Jessica (Filippone) Minghella, Kyle Geder and Kassandra & Isabella Foley, Rachel & Haley D'Entremont, Carl D. Geder, Dylan, Julia & Klara Geder. Also Grandmother of the late Jason Filippone and Diana D'Entremont. Leaves behind many dear nieces and nephews.





Funeral from Doherty-Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St., Reading on Jan. 12 at 9 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading at 10 AM. Family and friends cordially invited to gather at the funeral home Mon. Jan. 11, 3-7 PM. Parking attendants will be available. Interment Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.





Donations may be made in Elvira's memory to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.