Obituaries

Geraldine “Gerry” (Belinski) Izzard passed away peacefully at the age of 82, while surrounded by her family on April 2, 2025. Gerry began life in 1942 in the humble surroundings of a dairy farm in Stalwart, Michigan. She spent her youth as the only child of Stanley and Sophie Belinski.

Gerry grew up faithfully attending services at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Goetzville, Michigan. She graduated from Pickford High School in 1961 and immediately embarked on a plan to become a cosmetologist. She obtained her license to practice the craft in 1962 and her early career started in St. Ignace, Michigan. While in St. Ignace, Gerry worked for and became lifelong friends with Violet Paquin.

In 1968, Gerry and James R. Izzard were the first couple to be married at Our Lady of The Snows Catholic Church in Hessel, Michigan. She and Jim made their home in Cedarville, Michigan, where she started and ran a salon called Gerry’s Beauty Shop. Over the next 58 years Gerry made many social connections and friends through her work that have lasted throughout her life.

While working countless hours, she and Jim raised three children, Yvonne (Paul) McConkey of Pickford,
Michigan, Jim (Julie) Izzard of Petoskey, Michigan, and Leslie (Mike) Freel of Cedarville. In 1999, Gerry
became a grandmother and throughout the rest of her life developed a special bond with her eight grandchildren. The string of grandchildren started with Sophie (Connor) Reppuhn, Seth Izzard, Caroline Freel, Jack Izzard, Jay Freel, Hannah McConkey, Shane Izzard, and Owen McConkey completed the list in 2007.

Gerry spent the final three years of her life at the Cedar Cove Assisted Living complex in Cedarville. While there, she contributed to a warm welcoming atmosphere, as she spent much of her day in the lobby. She was happy watching the Detroit Tigers, doing word searches, reading the newspaper, and playing bingo. While staying true to her character, she formed lasting friendships with Cedar Cove staff and fellow residents. She was even known, on occasion, for providing free haircuts to residents that needed a trim.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, James (2000); mother, Sophie (1979); and father, Stanley (1986).

Gerry’s family, friends and relatives will miss her but her faith in God, her Love of Jesus Christ, and the
tenderness of the Holy Spirit will carry her into eternity.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 261 S.
Islandview Rd. Hessel, MI 49745, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow
immediately at 11:00 AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Cedar Cove Assisted Living, 266 Mary L St., Cedarville, MI 49719.