Gerda Bormanis passed away peacefully at her home on September 2, 2022. She was born in Bad Nauheim, Germany, on December 19, 1930. She moved to Phoenix from Chicago with her husband Juris (Joe) and their sons in February, 1966. They bought their current Phoenix home the following year.
She was a homemaker who raised four sons. For twenty years she was a regular volunteer for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, working every week in their store on 20th Street and Camelback Road. She and Juris traveled frequently in Arizona, several other states, and abroad, visiting Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, India, Singapore, and Australia, among other distant destinations. An excellent cook, Gerda made many delicious meals based on recipes from her native Germany. She had an extraordinary sense of humor and was extremely resilient in dealing with the health challenges she faced late in life. She had many lifelong friends and neighbors.
Gerda is survived by her husband, Joe. They were married for almost 68 years. She is also survived by her four sons, four daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Carole Dennis
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beautiful wife.
John Kashak Mizzou 94
Sorry for the loss of your mom. Sounds like a remarkable woman. From a great generation. Sometimes people don’t realize the sacrifices they make so we can have a better life. Her legacy lives on with her four sons and grandchildren. The foundation she created provided opportunities for success. As a veterinarian I know it takes a strong support from family (especially a mom) to achieve the goals we set out to complete. She will be missed but ALWAYS in our hearts.
Kim and Mike Buchheit
Our deepest condolences to Joe and the entire family. Gerda was a beautiful soul and will be dearly missed.
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Dear Juris, dear American cousins,
you are all far away from Germany, but you have always been an important part of our family.
As children we always waited longingly for packages or mail from the USA. Mutual visits were unfortunately only rarely possible.
Gerda, our father’s sister, was a special woman. Her purpose in life was her family. You will surely miss her energetic nature.
My thoughts are with you and I wish you a lot of strength for the coming weeks and months.
Your cousin Rosi Spamer, née Stamm
Our stepfather Bernd Barnickel, who lost his wife in February of this year, also offers you heartfelt condolences. He remembers his unforgettable visit to Gerda and Joe’s house with loving thoughts.