Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Geraldine “Dee” Marie Hamblen Relyea
January 9, 1968 – September 16, 2025
Geraldine “Dee” Marie Hamblen Relyea, 57, of Cheraw, South Carolina, passed away on September 16, 2025, in Florence, South Carolina, after complications from a long illness.
Born January 9, 1968, in Albany, New York, Dee was the beloved daughter of the late Gary and Geraldine Nitsky Hamblen. She was also preceded in death by her sister Sheila Hamblen Kopchick and brother-in-law Michael Kopchick.
Dee is survived by her daughter Kayla Marie Relyea (Daniel Goldy) and son Joseph “Joey” Michael Relyea; her cherished grandson Dawson James Goldy; and her step-grandson Daniel Joseph Goldy Jr. She also leaves behind her sister Lorraine Orsini and brother Jeffery Hamblen, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.
Throughout her life Dee cared deeply for those around her. In Connecticut she worked as a medical technician in the Emergency Department at Griffin Hospital. After moving to South Carolina, she joined her sister and brother-in-law in their family business, Rage Fuel Systems.
Dee had a gift for turning a house into a welcoming home. She loved decorating and adding special touches that made everyone feel comfortable and cared for. Most of all, she treasured her role as “Gigi,” finding joy and pride in her grandson and in every moment spent with family.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.