Geraldine Lambert

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Geraldine Lambert, 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Geraldine Lambert, who left this world on February 27, 2025, just shy of her 88th birthday, after a short illness. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her quick wit, indomitable spirit, and deep love for her family.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 29, 1937, Geraldine later made Dayton, Ohio, her home. Though the beginning of her life was difficult, she met challenges with resilience and independence, building a life she was proud of. She took great pride in her career at Robert E. Sweeney Co. Law Firm, where she found fulfillment and purpose in her work.

Geraldine shared a lifelong bond with her cousin Judy Moore (née Blaha), whom she grew up with and remained close to throughout her life. She was a loving sister to William “Bill” Hajdu, Thomas Hajdu, and Evangeline “Lynn” Basch.

She was a devoted mother to five children: Catherine Wade (Christopher), Nancy Hawkins, Gerie Hawkins, Sherrie Thomas (Mike), and Earl Bennett “Ben.” In 1969, she also embraced her role as a stepmother to Lora, Charles, and Charlotte Lambert.

She cherished her grandchildren: Katherine Ferguson (Joshua), Chad (Dana), Ian (Erica), and Sergio Perez, Benjamin and Meredith. Geraldine was a loving great-grandmother to Maebel, Lily, and a new baby boy due in June 2025 (children of Chad and Dana); Sage (son of Benjamin); Aleister and Molly (son and daughter of Meredith). She took immense pride in all of them and never missed an opportunity to share pictures or stories about how much they meant to her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Hajdu (née Cheman); father, William Hajdu; sister, Lynn Basch (2024); brother, Bill Hajdu (2012); and her children, Catherine (2019) and Ben (2001).

A true community servant, Geraldine was a dedicated board member of Cudell Improvement for many years and loved being involved in the Clifton Arts Festival. Her commitment to her neighborhood and the city of Cleveland will be remembered by many.

An avid gardener, she found joy tending to her flowers, had a special love for cacti and armadillos, and collected anything green. She enjoyed painting ceramics, gathering quirky knick-knacks, and was an aficionado of old movies, especially Frankenstein and Dracula films. She always knew the latest Hollywood gossip and could recall classic film trivia with ease.

A celebration of her life will take place on March 29th at Brennan's Catering & Banquet Center, 13000 Triskett Road, Cleveland, OH 44111 from 1-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Geraldine’s memory by wearing something green, planting something beautiful, or watching an old movie in her honor.

Rest in peace, Geraldine—Mom, Grammie, Gram-cracker, Grandmother. Your love, laughter, and stories will live on in our hearts forever.

The WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME- KETTERING is honored to serve her family