Geraldine Shicora

Geraldine “Geri” Frances Planchon Shicora lived a long full life that spanned 101 years, four months, and 15 days. She was born in San Francisco, CA on September 25, 1920 to the delight of her parents, Arthur and Edna Planchon. She spent her youth in the hustle and bustle of city life with her younger brother Stan. After graduating from San Jose State College with a teaching degree, she took a position in Los Molinas, CA.  While on a family fishing trip to Crescent City, CA she met George Shicora, and after a whirlwind courtship they were married. During the war years, Geri worked with her husband in the mountains of northern California mining chromium. After World War II they settled in the Crescent City area where Geri resumed her teaching career and started a family of three daughters. During summer breaks she jumped right into gardening.  She grew a half acre garden and every year would enter the county fair with fresh and canned vegetables and fruit along with pies, cakes, and breads, all cooked on a wood stove. She discovered a love of sewing, creating clothes for both her daughters and herself. The family moved to Wyoming and Geri continued to teach. They often visited Yellowstone National Park, camping and fishing with frequent buffalo, moose and bear sightings. The family eventually relocated to Grand Junction, CO where Geri taught at Fruitvale Elementary. Her girls had grown up and left home and she and George divorced. She returned to California where she spent many years working for the Upjohn Corporation, eventually returning to Grand Junction. Geri loved to travel. She joined the Peace Corp and served in Jamaica. Later, she entered the Vista Program, working in Phoenix, AZ. When she settled back in Grand Junction, when not traveling she worked in tasting rooms at local wineries. She visited England, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Mexico, the Virgin Islands and France for her 80th birthday. She loved to gather family and friends around her table sharing wine and good food. She dearly loved to dance. She had a certain flair for style and a zest for life.

Geri is survived by her daughters, Sheryl Shicora of Roseburg, OR; Mary (Dick) Jones of Grand Junction, CO; and, Nicole (Larry) Winkler of Riverside, CA; 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.

A Celebration of Life in her honor will take place at Solstice Senior Living at Mesa View on February 24th at 3:00 PM.

Please consider making a memorial contribution in her name to Hope West Hospice in lieu of flowers.