Geraldine Elizabeth Garafola, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on June 22, 2025, at the age of 78. She was born on February 16, 1947, in New York City, to Frank G. Collins and Theresa (O'Mally) Collins.
She graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1964, and just two years later, she married her soulmate, Raymond Garafola, on May 28, 1966, in Farmingdale, New York. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.
Geraldine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved to shop, cook for her family, and take care of her grandchildren—each of whom brought her endless pride and joy. She also loved to travel, especially to visit her siblings and extended family, always making time for the people she loved. Family was everything to Geraldine, and she made everyone around her feel cared for and welcomed.
She is survived by her son, Jason Garafola and wife, Brook of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Angela Crawford of Plano, Texas; daughter, Karen Peer and husband, John of Anna, Texas; son, Peter Garafola and wife, Caitlin of Princeton, Texas; eleven grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister, Maureen Johns; sister, Patty Grant; brother, Timmy Collins; brother, Danny Collins; sister, Christine Meyburg, and a host of other loving family and friends.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Teresa Collins; husband, Raymond Garafola; daughter, Laura Garafola; brother, Frank Collins; brother, Michael Collins; sister, Eileen Radecki; sister, Anne Marie Collins.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Michael’s the Archangel Catholic Church, 652 Redbud Boulevard, McKinney, Texas 75069. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
The family will receive guests during a visitation on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.