Berniece M.”Sis” Geitner, 72, of Route 219, Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born on August 29, 1948, in St. Marys, a daughter of the late William Smith, Sr. and Margaret Ott Smith.
On June 19, 1971 in St. Marys Church, she married Duane J. “Duey” Geitner, who survives of Ridgway. Together they shared nearly 50 years of love, laughter, and happiness.
Sis was a graduate of St. Marys High School, class of 1966. She was a member of St. Leo’s Church in Ridgway, and retired from Sylvania after more than 40 years of service.
In addition to her beloved husband, Duey Geitner, she is survived by two sons; Duane “Buddy” Geitner, Jr. and his wife Kristen of Ridgway, and Benjamin Geitner and his wife Theresa of Irwin, PA, by six grandchildren; Karissa, Austin, Caraline, Gavin, Braidon, and Julian, and by one great-granddaughter; Rosalyn. She is also survived by a sister; Donna (Chris) Swezey of St. Marys, a brother; Robert (Janice) Smith of Chautauqua, NY, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Lion Sis was a Charter Member of the Horton-Brockway Area Lioness Club, having joined the Lions Club in 2002. She served as President of the Lioness Club when it was chartered in 1983, and has held that office 19 times. She served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. She served as Zone Chairperson in 2003-2004 & 2006-2007, and as Region Chairman 2005-2006.
She has received many awards on both the local and state level, including Lioness of the Year for the entire state in 2003-2004, and District Lion of the year in 2011. She received the Pennsylvania fellowship in 2005, and the PA Councilors Distinguished Award in 2011. She was in charge of the Lioness breakfast and program for 2 state conventions. She attended 3 international conventions, 24 state conventions, and 1 USA/Canada forum. She was an International Certified Guiding Lion. In 2007, she was awarded the International Presidents Award from International President Jimmy Ross. She was currently serving as Secretary of the Lions Club, District Cabinet Secretary, and as Treasurer of the Lioness Club. Sis was a member of the Fox Township Senior Center, the Elk County Fair Board of Directors, and the Vietnam Veterans of America (A.V.V.A).
Sis will be remembered as the ultimate Steelers fan, always enjoying a game or the chance to decorate her house in Steelers gear. She loved Christmastime, and never turned down the chance to go yard-saling or attend an auction. She also loved and enjoyed her cats. Most of all, she was a devoted and adoring wife, mother, and grandmother who loved nothing more than spending time with her family and grandchildren. A truly irreplaceable woman, Sis will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Smith, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Berniece M. “Sis” Geitner will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St. Boniface Church, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 with Rev. Ross Miceli, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Horton-Brockway Lions Club
Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com.
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