Hazel H. Geracimos

Hazel H. (Hallam) Geracimos, 93, of Wyomissing, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, in the Reading Hospital surrounded by family. Born in Pittsburgh, Hazel was the daughter of the late Margaret D. (Wahly) and John R. Hallam. She was happily married to the late Nicholas G. Geracimos for 40 years before his passing. Hazel earned her B.S. in Business Education on an academic scholarship and obtained her B.S.Ed. both at the University of Pittsburgh. Hazel (a/k/a “Haze”) and Nick met while teaching in the Derry Area School District in Westmoreland County and eloped in 1956. They moved to Shillington in 1958, when they both accepted teaching positions in the Governor Mifflin School District. Haze taught business at Governor Mifflin High School until her retirement in June 1989.

Haze loved college and was active as a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Pitt Players theater group, and Student Congress. In 1954, she was inducted into the Owl’s (yearbook) Senior Hall of Fame.

Haze also thrived on the other side of the desk, as her tenure at Governor Mifflin was similarly a whirlwind of teaching and activities. She taught typing, shorthand, business law, business English, economics, accounting, and business math, while also directing the occasional class play and serving as an advisor to the school newspaper. Outside of school, Haze was active with the Shillington Junior Women’s Club and The Reading Players (theater group). From 1979-1982, Haze served on the Western Berks Water Authority before being elected to the Shillington Borough Council, where she served for 11 years. She was the first woman to serve on the Council. In addition to her teaching and civic activities, Haze, with Nick, regularly socialized with friends while raising their three children and spent many weeks in the summer with the family at Pine Haven Campground at the Jersey shore.

After retiring from teaching, Haze started her “Antique Accents” business, buying and selling antiques at her stalls in Adamstown, as well as on the road at antique shows throughout the Northeast. She was a member of the Antique Association of Berks County.

After her husband Nick passed in 1997, she revisited her love for painting, taking classes in watercolor and pastel from area artists. She joined the Berks Art Alliance and began entering art shows in the area. Her passion for art took her on various painting trips throughout Europe, which whet her appetite for travel, culminating in trips from Maine to Hawaii, Europe to New Zealand, and Nova Scotia to Victoria.

In 2005 she sold her Shillington home and moved into the Highlands of Wyomissing. It didn’t take long before Haze was elected by the residents to the Council of the Highlanders Association, where she served as Secretary for three years. She most recently honed her thespian talents with the Highlands Drama Club. Haze was an active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ and was an occasional lecturer, greeter, and home visitor.

All of this activity was powered in part by her good humor, as she loved to laugh! Anyone who knew Haze was, at some point and time, the recipient of her jokes via mail or FaceBook posts. She was sharp as a tack into her 90’s, regularly knocking out crossword puzzles in pen and sharing her Wordle and Connections results daily on the family text chat. Haze loved spending time with her family and regularly bragged that her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her sharp wit and intelligence, love of the arts, stylish wardrobe and accessories, and kind heart will be missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Highlands at Wyomissing. Throughout her many years as a resident, the staffs in acute rehab, personal care, and skilled nursing all were attentive and supportive of her every need.

Hazel is survived by her children, John N. Geracimos, husband of Melissa A. Geracimos of Alexandria, VA and Jill G. Bollinger, wife of Roy Bollinger III of Bolivia, NC; her son-in-law, David E. Wert of Wyomissing; her grandchildren, Stephanie W. Teresi, wife of Joseph L. Teresi of Los Angeles, CA and Andrew D. Wert, fiancé of Bridget Murphy of Mount Pleasant, SC; and her sister, Roberta H. Sherer, fiancé of Kenneth Brooks of Rockport, TX. In addition to her husband, Hazel is predeceased by her daughter, Dina G. Wert, and her brother, Robert S. Wall.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Shillington on Saturday, June 28, with the details to be provided in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ, 99 S. Waverly St., Shillington, PA 19607 or to The Highlands at Wyomissing, C/O The Development Office, 2000 Cambridge Avenue, Wyomissing, PA 19610-2714. Please specify “The Scholarship Fund” with your memorial donation. Bean Funeral Homes in Shillington is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.