Geraldine E. Kott

GERALDINE KOTT, Born January 10, 1927 was the youngest child of Joseph and Elinor Zamojski. Geraldine was a sister to Helen Sikorski, Evelyn Gicius, Theodore Zamonski, Mary McClullen, Bernice Morry, Carl Zamon and Regina Baka. At a young age of 12 Geraldine was asked to sing “One Fine Day” from the Opera “Madame Butterfly.” A seed was planted at this young age to develop and enhance her vocal skills, which were quickly noticed by her teachers and peers. Inspired by Geraldine’s gift, she was introduced by a friend to a talent agent from WJR and ultimately performed weekly on WJR Radio. Just 19 years old, on January 26, 1946 Gerry married the love of her life, Stanley Walter Kott. The following year Gary was born and having to deal with some health issues her singing was on hold for a while. Very happy and busy with motherhood, she was content with her life but wanted to grow her family and eight years later, Jim was born. She loved her two boys but, 27 months later, Laurie came into this world. Gerry loved being a mother and was very talented not just in singing but everything she did. Gerry was a terrific cook and she always had enough food to “feed and army”. Wonderful aromas came out of that kitchen on Rossini in Detroit. We always had a full meal with the family every night, plus homemade desert! Gerry won several blue ribbons for her deserts. Gerry’s sister, Evelyn taught her how to bake and her mother-in-law taught her how to cook Polish food fit for a King! Another talent Gerry mastered was sewing. At an early age, Gerry learned to sew from observing her sister, Bernice. Bernice was very talented and owned a bridal shop on Chene Street in Hamtramck where Gerry worked and learned additional skills that she would use on her next creative journey. Gerry went to Millinery school to learn how to make hats. She would wake up in the middle of the night and design hats to create. Although she never made a lot of money selling her designs, she enjoyed the challenge and the sense of accomplishment when she finished one. A “Gerry Kott” original. It was very common for Gerry to sing around the house especially during the summer when the windows were open and the neighbors would sit on their porches just to listen to her beautiful voice. Attending church at St. Raymond’s was a Sunday family ritual. She had always been active as a parishioner, but when the opportunity to audition for the St. Raymond’s choir was offered to her, and she was asked to join, this was truly a turning point in Gerry’s life. Gerry became more involved with St. Raymond’s Church. Performing in the play “A Wee Bit of Erin" which was her debut to set the course for sharing her gift with others. Besides participating in several church groups; choir, choir auxiliary, alter society and a few more. One of her greatest joys was participating in a Mass Choir for his Holiness, Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Pontiac Silverdome. Gerry touched the hearts of many with her beautiful voice and sang for hundreds of funerals, weddings, anniversaries and ordinations throughout the Arch Dioceses of Detroit. She kept every thank you note she received and would read them every once and a while. She was blessed with a gift from God and was forever grateful. Gerry was a person who could light up a room just by being “Gerry”. Gerry is the beloved wife of the late Stanley. Loving mother of Gary (Olivia) Kott, Jim (Susan) Kott, and Laurie (Tim) Sullivan. Proud grandma of Gary Steven (Lisa) Kott, Jo Ellen Mitchell, Amy Kott, Michael (Kristy) Kott, Lindsey (Eric) Peterson, Katie (Jake) Dawes, Sarah (Patrick) Sullivan, Christopher (YuJung) Nienhaus, and Stephanie (Ryan) Heft. Also very proud great grandma of Grayson Kott, Deacon Kott, Cara Mitchell, Nash Mitchell, Hunter Jones, Lucy Kott, Cormac Sullivan, Finola Sullivan, Yuna Nienhaus, Everett Heft and Ellis Heft. Dearest aunt to several nieces and nephews. Visitation Sunday 2-8 PM with a 5 PM Rosary at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc. 49150 Schoenherr Rd. (n. of 22 Mile Rd.), Shelby Twp. Instate Monday 11:30 AM until Noon Funeral Mass at St. Isidore Catholic Church 18201 23 Mile Rd. (corner of Romeo Plank), Macomb Twp. Memorial donations may be directed to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or the Solanus Casey Center. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.wasikfuneralhome.com

Geraldine E. Kott

January 10, 1927 - August 26, 2020