Geraldyn Anne Yakimoski

Gerry was born to Bill and Stella Maurer, in Saskatoon on February 20, 1944. She is the eldest of 3 siblings (her, Patricia, Doug). Gerry spent her formative years growing up on a farm near Luseland, SK, where she fell in love with horses and the smell of fresh cut hay, and learned the value of helping out with daily chores. Gerry’s family moved to Saskatoon when she was 9. They first lived in the King George neighbourhood and then moved over to settle in a modest house on Prince of Wales Avenue. Gerry went to Sion Academy which had a profound impact on her worldview; she found mentors, lifelong friends, and felt the calling to become a Catholic as a young adult.

Gerry graduated from Teachers College in 1962 alongside her dear friend Rozalie. She accepted her first job as a principal of a small-town school at the age of 17. She taught for several years, both in the country and in Saskatoon. Gerry met her beloved husband, Larry Yakimoski, in philosophy class at St. Thomas More College, and they were married on November 11, 1966, so to always have the day off together. Gerry and Larry have 4 children: Todd (Suzanne), Andrée (Trent), Susan (Jaryn), and David (Greta) born over 3 decades, and six grandchildren.

As a young woman she was inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux - she modeled incredible love for her family, friends, strangers, and people in need. She volunteered at Birthright to help mothers in need. Gerry worked with a group of dedicated friends to co-found a grassroots food co-operative which grew into a remarkable community hub called Steep Hill. She worked with fellow members passionately and tirelessly to bring good, local, healthy, and organic food to her family and the community. She worked there for over 40 years, and loved the deep friendships she formed with members, the farmers and suppliers, the shoppers, and loved caring for many of the people in the Broadway area. 

Gerry cherished family; she took her kids on bike rides and walks in the rain. Gerry loved to sew; she sewed for family and friends and put together innumerable creations with great skill ranging from everyday clothes to Halloween costumes, and repairs on well-worn clothes. Her six grandchildren donned many cozy pajamas, beautiful dresses, upcycled shirts, and other outfits. Gerry was passionate about holistic health; she learned, practiced, and shared natural remedies in daily life. She was a wonderful cook and even wrote a couple of cookbooks - though she was never fond of salt. Sharing a family meal was always important to Gerry; she was hospitable and welcomed many guests, travellers, exchange students, and billets into her home. She had 52 pen pals from all around the world, some of whom she hosted and a few that she visited (Japan, Holland). She cherished these connections and maintained correspondence with a couple of them her entire life. Gerry liked to play cards, rummikub, dominos and many other games. Gerry was happiest when she was in her garden, or looking through a camera lens. She loved nature photography and enjoyed travel; she liked to go off the beaten track while on summer road trips, always making new and interesting memories, but she loved her trips to Ireland the most. 

Gerry was full of gratitude and grace; she prayed regularly and often went to Taize prayer at Queen’s House. She loved God and her neighbour in word and deed and was a shining example to all. She was generous maybe to a fault but that really isn’t a fault but a generous heart. She had a deep faith and after becoming unwell she continued to attend an online Irish Mass (with Ginger the dog). This words are only a sample of the full and wonderful life of Gerry Yakimoski; you would need a book to write all the accomplishments, generosity, and acts of love and kindness of Gerry. 

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing nursing and care staff at St. Paul’s Palliative Care unit, as well as the nursing and care support teams at RUH Neurology Unit. In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations can be made to one of Gerry’s organizations: St. Paul’s Palliative Care, Friendship Inn, Saskatoon Food Bank, Abilities Council, David Suzuki Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, or Sauti Moja. 

Rest in peace Gerry. We will miss you.