Sionnie Velarde Gernaat's Obituary
Sionnie Velarde (Planas) Gernaat of Mableton, Georgia passed away peacefully on June 9th, surrounded by her family after a long battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She was born in Manila, Philippines on August 15, 1951 to Johnny Gualberto Planas and Pacita Velarde, both predeceased. Sionnie is survived by her husband of 36 years, John L. Gernaat; sister, Melody Planas; brother, Johnny Planas; step-sister, Judith Planas; step-brothers, Victor Planas and Rene Planas; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; an aunt and uncle; and many dear friends throughout the world. Sionnie was a social butterfly and loved to talk to people and make new acquaintances. She was a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle in Smyrna and active in many ministries from the St. Vincent de Paul, Welcome Ministry, Women’s Auxillary, and RCIA, to name a few. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 14th, at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home, 1975 East-West Connector, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, with a rosary service to conclude the evening. A Mass of Resurrection will be held Monday, June 15th, 2:00 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 4300 King Springs Road, Smyrna, GA. Sionnie will lie in state at the church from 1:30 to 2:00 PM. Due to COVID-19 and CDC directions, all visitors will be required to wear a face mask (please bring one with you) and follow social distancing. Ushers will be providing assistance in this matter. As the church is just beginning to reopen, there will be limited seating and it is requested that only immediate family and friends attend the service. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year once circumstances improve and we can gather freely. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation on behalf of Sionnie to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Thomas the Apostle.
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