Geraldine Sally McKenna “Geri” passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2020.
Geri was the daughter of the late Saveria “Sally” Novia and John E. MacNeil, and stepdaughter of the late Howard Dumas of Everett, MA.
Born in Revere, MA, Geri enjoyed spending time with her grandparents at Revere Beach as a child, often returning there to reminisce throughout her adulthood. Geri held a natural gift in working with her hands, from sewing dresses for her daughters, to baking cakes for school parties. She tended enviable vegetable gardens which filled many of her neighbor’s dinner plates. She was known for perfect planning, amazing fried eggplant, a spotless household, and a good debate. Her creativity and independent spirit rose as she ventured into business ownership with her own ceramic studio and then later as proprietor of a Dairy Queen. With fond memories of her first “real job” in Boston as a switchboard operator, Geri’s business acumen excelled as a financial analyst for GE’s Electric Insurance, from where she retired in 2002.
Geri has lived in five states throughout her life, coveting valuable friendships along the way, but always considered the North Shore of Massachusetts her home. Geri was the loving mother of two daughters, and a second mother to many of their friends. She was fortunate to have spent her whole life living near her children and grandchildren, having shared her later years residing in both Reading, MA and Derry, NH where her daughters could care for her.
She is predeceased by her brother John MacNeil and her sister Marilyn Testa, both of Revere, MA. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Robin and Allan Hamilton, of Reading, MA and Fawn and Michael Bonfanti of Lee, NH. She leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and adored great-grandchildren.
A small and private observance will be held at Peabody Funeral Home, Londonderry, NH with a private graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, MA, alongside her loving grandparents.
Please refer to The Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org) for ways to help or learn more.