Geraldine Ann (Wagoner) Battista

With deep love and full hearts, we celebrate the life of Geraldine "Gerry" Battista, who passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, at the age of 90 — exactly 90 and a half years to the day. She often reminded us of this milestone with a twinkle in her eye and a proud smile, delighting in the fact that she was the "oldest Wagoner ever." That kind of joy — simple, shared, and sincere — was at the very heart of who she was.

Gerry had a remarkable gift for seeing beauty in the everyday and love in everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a passing acquaintance, she made you feel welcomed and cherished. Her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and warm presence left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She loved deeply, gave freely, and found happiness in the smallest things — especially anything violet, her favorite color, which so perfectly reflected her gentle strength and bright spirit.

She met the love of her life, Matthew J. Battista, in an elevator at BF Goodrich — a story she never tired of telling. That one moment led to 64 beautiful years of marriage, filled with devotion, laughter, and a shared faith that grounded their journey. Even in her final days, she often said, "Do you know how lucky and blessed I am with the life I have?"

Faith was the cornerstone of Gerry's life. A proud convert to Catholicism, she considered it one of her most meaningful decisions. She was a parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. Eugene Catholic Church, where her faith showed not just in worship, but in daily acts of kindness and quiet grace.

Friendship was sacred to Gerry. She and Matt were part of a beloved neighborhood dinner club for over 50 years — friends who became family through shared meals, vacations, and laughter. A proud graduate of the final class of West High School (1953), she remained closely bonded with her dear friends, the "Golden Girls," for over seven decades.

Her secret to a long life? "Plenty of coffee, a little wine, and lots of smiles and laughter." She stood by that advice, starting each day with a hot cup of coffee and ending it with a glass of wine — doctor's orders, she'd joke. At 90 and a half, she may have been on to something.

Above all, family was her greatest joy. A devoted wife, loving mom, and proud grandmother, Gerry gave her whole heart to those she loved. Every holiday, phone call, and simple moment together meant the world to her — and to her family, who now carry that love forward.

She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Matt; parents, Donald and Violet Wagoner; brother, Donald Wagoner; and grandson, Alex Harr. Gerry's legacy lives on in her children: Anthony Battista, Donald (Wendi) Battista, and Elizabeth (Jeff) Harr; her grandchildren: Matthew (Kelsey), Vincent (Myranda), and Nicholas Battista (fiancé Diksha Bedi), and Hayden (Kellie) Harr; and her great-granddaughter, Paxtyn Harr. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Tobi Battista; nephew, David Wagoner; and 20 Battista nieces and nephews — all dearly loved. She will be missed by her dearest friend, Pat Hennessy (the sister she never had), and her loving companion, Leo Lux.

In a beautiful full-circle story, Gerry and Leo reconnected years after high school and spent the last years sharing life's simple pleasures — cheering on the Cleveland Guardians, reminiscing through drives in their old West Hill neighborhood, enjoying Swenson's, and playing endless rounds of cards (with Gerry usually winning — thanks in part to Leo's quiet generosity).

To know Gerry was to be loved by her. She embraced life's simple joys and gave her heart freely. Her warmth and grace live on in all she touched. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 1821 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Pete Colletti and Fr. William O'Brien, S.J.

Interment at Tallmadge Cemetery (procession will form at the church).

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Gerry's joyful spirit and generous heart, please consider a donation in her name to: Walsh Jesuit High School, 4550 Wyoga Lake Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Walsh Jesuit High School
4550 Wyoga Lake Rd, Cuyahoga Falls OH 44224

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Web: http://www.stjude.org