TRAVERSE CITY — Geraldine Mary Budde, 80, of Traverse City and formerly of Midland, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, at her home, entering eternal life.Geraldine "Gerry" was born Aug. 7, 1930, to the late Ignatius and Blanche (Rosinski) Lukowski in Bay City. She married Paul B. Budde on April 4, 1959.Gerry earned her R.N. degree at Mercy Central School of Nursing, graduating at the top of her class. She was employed at Mercy Hospital in Bay City and Mid-Michigan Regional Medical Center in Midland until retiring to northern Michigan. Spending time with her family was Gerry's greatest source of happiness. She enjoyed and valued her role as a loving mother and grandmother, and worked hard to shape, support and nurture her family. She also had a love for nature and shared this passion with her children and grandchildren. Gerry was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and volunteered for many community organizations. She was admired for her creative skills of sewing, knitting, upholstering and gardening.Gerry is survived by her husband of more than 51 years, Paul Budde, of Traverse City; her son, John (Rita) Budde, of West Bloomfield; her five daughters, Mary (Harvey) Krantz, of Traverse City, Sally (Kurt) Rivard, of Traverse City, Janet (John) Broadbent, of West Olive, Karen (Thomas) Prescott, of Mendota, Ill., and Carolyn (Kent) TeKrony, of Boulder, Colo. She will be deeply missed by her 17 grandchildren, Jack, Margo and Eli Budde, Kelly, Kevin and Jessica Krantz, Peter, Eric and Elle Rivard, Meghan, Jillian and Paul Broadbent, Stephen, Jonathon and Mark Prescott, and Rachel and Rebekah TeKrony. Two brothers, Richard and Lawrence Lukowski, also survive Gerry. Gerry's parents and three brothers, Raymond, Walter and Leonard Lukowski, preceded her in death.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. The Mass will be officiated by the Reverend Kenneth Stachnik.Memorial contributions may be directed to Inland Seas Education Association or the Goodwill Inn designated for homeless youths.Please share thoughts with the family at Geraldine's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family.