Hebron, NY – Geraldine Lee Ptacek, age 70, affectionately known as “Bear”, went to be with the Lord after a short illness, while surrounded by her loved ones on January 14, 2024.

Gerry was born in Glen Falls, NY on April 3, 1953, the daughter of Dayton “Buddy” and Lillian (Monroe) Wood.

As a child Gerry spent much of their time roller skating at the family-owned business, Brennan’s Roller-Skating Rink in Glens Falls, NY. The rink was converted to Je’Rays restaurant and across the street Skateland opened so she could still resume her love of roller skating.  She loved all things with wheels such as motorcycles and her 442 as she became a young adult.

Gerry grew up waitressing and cooking at Je’Rays Restaurant (formerly known as Brennan’s Roller Rink). Working side by side with her Aunt Gerry and Uncle PC Brennan at the restaurant her interest grew in the hospitality industry and started to hone her God-given gifts and began creating wedding cakes and developing their restaurant to cater weddings. After her aunt and uncle retired, she continued to run it for many years. Nothing put a smile on her face more than to prepare food for people, always volunteering to do such, her skills ranged from diner food to five-star meals.  Her truest love was spending time with family, watching her birds at the feeders, her chipmunks and all the wildlife at her home in Hebron.

She was predeceased by her beloved father Dayton “Buddy” Wood and her favorite Aunt and Uncle Geraldine and Raymond (PC) Brennan. Survivors are her loving husband John “Chuck” Ptacek of Hebron, her mother Lillian of Glens Falls, her favorite child, her son Ralph Strong Jr. (Hannah) of Hudson Falls, daughter Marsha Sage of Hartford, brother Raymond Wood (Sandy)of Glens Falls, sister Jackie Wood of Hudson Falls, sister, and best friend Debbie Sokol (Paul) of Hebron. She was blessed with grandchildren: Brennan, Logan and Justin Strong of Hudson Falls, Kayla White (Logan) of Hudson Falls, Skylar and Brooke Hanson of Hartford and her one and only great granddaughter Rosemary White of Hudson Falls in addition to several nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

A brief service will be held on January 27, 2024 at 1 PM at the Hartford Firehouse, Hartford, NY followed by a Celebration of her life.

Online condolences may be shared at www.robertmkingfuneralhome.com.