Obituary of Geraldine Geri'' McKenney

Geraldine ''Geri'' McKenney, a retired sales manager, passed away peacefully on Wednesday night, May 16, 2018. She was 75 years old. Geri was one of three children born to Richard and Grace Gardner. She grew up in Billerica and was a graduate of Billerica High School. After marrying the late Charles C. McKenney she made her home for 48 years in Burlington where they raised their three children. She had recently moved back to Billerica to live with her daughter Arlene. She was a strong independent woman, who always placed her family first. She raised 3 children, managed her home, and had very rewarding career. She worked at Guillow’s in Wakefield, a model airplane manufacturing company that distributes worldwide, for 22 years. Geri worked as the administrative assistant to the president of the company and also traveled extensively as their marketing sales manager. She enjoyed the demands and challenges of her work as well as the friendship of the Guillow’s work family. As a young girl Geri enjoyed many summers spent on Lake Winnipesaukee with her family and friends, boating, water skiing or just waving at the boys. Geri was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Billerica Emblem Club #410, and the Burlington and Billerica Council on Aging. She loved going to Bingo and Foxwoods with her girlfriends and daughters. She enjoyed gardening and knitting in her leisure time. She loved to travel. She especially enjoyed her 8 trips to London with her daughter Arlene. Geri was always a mother and grandmother first. She would do anything to help her family whether it was financial, babysitting, acting as a taxi driver for the grandchildren, or any other manner that she could be of assistance to them. She was extremely generous as well. Her door was always open to family, friends, and even her children’s friends. She would not hesitate give someone a place to stay. Her home was a favorite destination for her grandkids. They always enjoyed Nana’s company. Her home will always have fond memories of many birthday parties, barbeques, pool parties and holidays. Christmas was Geri’s favorite holiday. She always spent too much on her grandkids and the presents would fill the room. She also had a cute sense of humor. She could be a bit flirty and would make some of the funniest comments that left everyone wondering whether they were intended or unintentional. She lived her life for her family and her memory will always bring a smile to those she loved. Geri was the loving mother of Arlene Reid & her husband Richard of Billerica, Laura Rand of Billerica, and Daniel McKenney of Woburn. She was the sister of Janet Deshaies of Tewksbury and the late Richard Gardner of CA. She was the proud grandmother of Scott MacKenzie, Emily Rand, and Danielle, William, & Christopher McKenney. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Sunday, May 20 from 3-5 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private.