Mrs. Genevieve L. Gero

Genevieve L. Gero, 87, of State Route 11, Burke passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at her home with her loving family by her side and aided by Hospice of the North Country. Born on October 31, 1935, in Burke, NY she was the daughter of John Knox and Janet (Gray) Swanston. Genevieve was married to the love of her life Ernest Gero on June 18, 1960, at Notre Dame Church in Malone by Rev. Robert Lamitie. He predeceased her on October 28, 2021. She graduated from Chateaugay Central and then Albany Business College in May of 1955. Upon college graduation Genevieve went to work as a Secretary for the Franklin County Alcohol Beverage Control Board until 1964. The next ten years were spent caring for and raising her three young children. In 1974 she returned to work as secretary/bookkeeper for St. George’s Church in Burke. In 1976 she found her true passion and love for the elderly and became the Director of the Burke Adult Center. She gave 28 years of selfless, loyal service to the elderly, retiring in November of 2004. In addition, Genevieve and her husband co-owned and managed their home businesses Walnut Grove Gifts and the Christmas Bear Gift Shop. Genevieve served as a Board member for Salvation Army, Pastoral Outreach, Parish Council and Religious Education, as a former Trustee of St. George’s Church, and Advisor and Board Member for the Burchacon Housing Project. She was a communicant of St. George’s Church and later St. Patrick’s Church. She was a humble woman of pure light sharing her goodness and grace with everyone she met. To know her was to love her. She spent her entire life in service to others and never missed an opportunity to meet someone new or help someone in need. She was a woman of incredible strength, courage, compassion, and great faith. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life – Sunday night dinners, baking, time spent with family on Chateaugay Lake, sitting on her front porch visiting, working in her beautifully manicured lawns, lovingly tending to her flowers. She loved life and was full of joy. She adored her family, treasured her friends and her finest days were spent surrounded by all. She thanked God every day for the blessings in her life and was full of pride when she spoke of her children, in-laws, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. There will always be only one “Gigi” and her goodness and lessons of life will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Genevieve is survived by her three children and their spouses, Joelle and Tony Lamica of Chateaugay, Jeffrey and Trudy Gero of Malone, Joslyn and Robert LaPage of Malone; her “Chosen” daughter Simmone Bombard of Chateaugay; eight grandchildren Meaghan (Timothy Oliver), Alexander (Lyz) Lamica, Morgan Lamica; Adam Gero, Courtney (Zachary) Cook, Taylor LaPage and partner, Rylee Pivetta, Jacob and Grace Bombard; three great grandchildren, Lincoln Scott Cook, Adaline Millie Cook and Quinn Everly Oliver and her sister due in December; a brother John (Jack) Swanston of Chateaugay; as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents; brother, Stewart Swanston and brother, Charles in infancy; a sister and brother-in-law, Caroline and Bruce Harter; a sister-in-law, Shirley Swanston; and niece, Kelly Swanston. Calling hours will be held at the Chateaugay Funeral Home on Friday September 1st from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, Chateaugay on Saturday, September 2nd at 10 a.m. Burial will be held at North Burke Cemetery. Donations in Genevieve’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Hospice of the North Country.

Mrs. Genevieve L. Gero

October 31, 1935 - August 25, 2023