Gema J. Danahar, 74, passed away with her family at her side on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in her home at Tatnuck Park. Creative, witty, determined, adventurous, independent and kind. She had a strong spirit and lived her life with both love and resolve.
Gema was born in Marijampole, Lithuania on November 2, 1943. She emigrated to the United States as a child following World War II and has lived in Worcester MA for many years. After completing her BS in Zoology at University of Massachusetts, Amherst (where she once brought a chicken back to life in the lab) she had a long career in banking and financial services with Shawmut Corporation, Attleboro Pawtucket Savings Bank, First NH Bank Bank of Ireland, and ADS. After serving on the Board at the Worcester Center for Crafts for many years she served as the interim Executive Director.
Gema treasured spending summers with her grandsons in Blue Mt. Lake New York and at Camp Neringa, picking wild raspberries, boating, stargazing and sitting by the campfire. She often found herself chasing after them in Florida, rolling in the hammock, walking the boys home from school, and just enjoying watching them grow. Gema was curious about the world and people and was unfailingly kind. An avid nature lover and gardener, Gema had a very greenthumb as the 45-year-old miniature orange tree she nurtured proved. She delighted in watching the various birds, deer and foxes appearing in her yard and was a long-time volunteer for the Audubon Society’s Broad Meadow Brook. Gema loved to travel and thoroughly enjoyed her visits to Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks, Florida, Maine, Arizona, New Orleans, the coast of California, Washington DC, Disneyworld and Disneyland. Her passport included stamps from around the world, including Lithuania, Italy, Mexico, Ireland, England, Austria, and Japan. She adored walking, hiking, rainbows, sweets, dancing, Masterpiece Mystery, a good book, a rousing game of ping-pong, and the sound of children’s laughter.
Gema was the cherished mother of Deirdre Danahar and Rebecca Booth, grandmother of Quinby and Mikas Booth and mother-in-law of Steve Price. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aldofas Sermuksnis and Magdelana Sermuknis (nee Pauliukonyte). She leaves behind her beloved sister and dear friend, Aldona Shumway of Worcester MA, her much-loved brothers Zigmus Sermuknis of Amesbury MA, Julius Sermusknis of Three Rivers CA, and George Sermusknis of Worcester MA, as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We will miss the sound of her laughter, her kind heart, warm smile, wit, intelligence, energy and her deep love for family, friends, and life. Yet some comfort maybe found in one of the many quilts she made and the warm embrace they give us.
Ever a generous person, Gema requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts in her honor can be made to the following:
Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA, 01604 or online at www.massaudubon.org/broadmeadowbrook. Camp Neringa, 147 Neringa Rd. Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to Lewy Body Dementia Association, attn.: Marguerite Edwards, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at https://www.lbda.org/donate.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, April 23, 2018 in St. John Church, 40 Temple St., Worcester. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St, Worcester. To leave expressions of condolence please visit www.worcesterfuneral.com