Mafalda “Muffy” Dire Gerdon

May 2, 1933 - November 4, 2023

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Harmony at Five Forks

345 Five Forks Rd.

Simpsonville, SC 29681

864-412-2772 |

Thursday 11/30, 3:30 pm

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church

2252 Woodruff Road

Simpsonville, SC 29681

Wednesday 11/22, 10:00 am

Mafalda “Muffy” Dire Gerdon of Simpsonville, SC passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at the age of 90.

Mafalda was the beloved wife of Gerald Gerdon for 68 years, dear daughter to the late Anthony and Diodata Dire, blessed mother to Debbie Birtwistle (David), Cathy Miller (David), Patty Conley (Jeff), and Deanna Roman (Michael); cherished grandmother to Jimmy Miller (Emily), Danielle Streiff (Matt), Rachael West (Travis), Matt Conley (Alexa), Danny Conley (Deborah), and Alaina, Jessica, and Samantha Roman; and great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren. She was a sister to Lena Rochon and Vera Buell as well as to the late Lisa Thacker, Adeline Rochon, Ernie Dire; and relative and friend to many.

Muffy was one of a kind. To know her was to love her and she poured her heart into everything she did. She especially enjoyed volunteering in the cafeteria and as a greeter at Hillcrest Hospital as well as helping with flowers and adoration at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. She was defined by her resilient, gentle, unwavering love, and dedication to her family and friends. She demonstrated a remarkable strength and perseverance that inspired all who knew her. Her nurturing nature and feisty Italian spirit shaped the lives of many, and few got away without Muffy showering them with food and treats.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to all the amazing nurses and doctors at both Hillcrest and Greenville Memorial Hospitals, the compassionate caregivers at Harmony at Five Forks, and the special care and friendship provided by Regina O’Neil.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church followed by a private Inurnment. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. at Harmony at Five Forks located at 345 Five Fords Rd., Simpsonville, SC 29681.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials to be made to Greenville Area Parkinson Society or Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills and select Hospice of the Foothills under Donation Designation or call 864-885-7912.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Muffy with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes

Bev & Scott Jones

Vickie Kroeger

Amanda Cox

Jane Courter

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Harmony at Five Forks

345 Five Forks Rd.

Simpsonville, SC 29681

864-412-2772 | Map

Thursday 11/30, 3:30 pm

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church

2252 Woodruff Road

Simpsonville, SC 29681

Map

Wednesday 11/22, 10:00 am

Mafalda “Muffy” Dire Gerdon of Simpsonville, SC passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at the age of 90. Mafalda was the beloved wife of Gerald Gerdon for 68 years, dear daughter to the late Anthony and Diodata Dire, blessed mother to Debbie Birtwistle (David), Cathy Miller (David), Patty Conley (Jeff), and Deanna Roman (Michael);Continue Reading

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Had the pleasure of knowing Mafalda through Adeline & Ernie who were my age. Great family, always welcoming to all the teens that seemed to hang around their house. Always treated with kindness there. Mrs. Dire & the 3 youngest sisters were the envy of all of us young strawberry pickers each summer. They were the best! Only pleasant memories of the family!

Our love and sympathies to Gerry, Debbie, Cathy, Patty, and Deanna and their families from our family. Mafalda was a treasure.

I met Muffy and Jerry when my mom, Peggy Miller, moved into Harmony at Five Forks. They were great friends throughout her stay there. Muffy and Jerry were two of the most gracious and kind people I have ever met. They always had a smile on their faces. I know Muffy will be so missed but heaven gained a precious angel. Sending love to her family.

Muffy, we will miss you so much. A bright light in our lives. Always in our hearts.

Gerry, so sorry for your loss. Muffy was a special lady and I will always remember our volunteer ventures. I will be out of town and unable to attend the memorial service, but please know you and your family are in my prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sending prayers and love during this difficult time! Our deepest sympathies!!!

In memory of Mafalda “Muffy” Dire Gerdon, Vickie Kroeger lit a candle

Auntie Mafalda is my Godmother. She and Uncle Gerry would always reach out on my birthday and Christmas, and I would look forward to their thoughtfulness. I missed seeing her as she was so far from us, but would have delightful phone conversations on occasion. She’s so filled with love and good humor. I never knew her as “Muffy”, so I’m sad I won’t be able to address as such directly. And I’m so very sad for all of us, especially Uncle Gerry, my cousins and their families. Now I REALLY miss her💕

Mafalda was a true one-of-a-kind. When she and Jerry came to live in Patty and Jeff’s house while they went to Germany, Jerry and Mafalda became the cul-de-sac adoptive Grandparents. They were the first to offer help, advice, or a wonderful meal. We still count them as family. Muffy will live on in our family with our go-to meal, Mafalda’s chicken. Her laughter and warmth will forever be with us.

The world will be missing a sweet lady but heaven gained an angel!

My heart goes out to the Gerdon/Conley family. Mafalda always made me feel welcome and loved as one of your friends, Patty. I remember her and your father with fondness and a smile. Wishing you all peace in the good memories you share. ❤️ Sara

Mufalda was a beautiful, sweet, kind person! She and Jerry have become surrogate grandparents for my boys. She was a rascal! You never went away hungry when you ate with Mufalda! We will miss her dearly!

In memory of Mafalda “Muffy” Dire Gerdon, Jane Courter lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.