Hilda G. Geddry SCITUATE Hilda G. (Glove ) Geddry, 87, most recently of The Arbors of Greenfield and Buckley Healthcare Center, peacefully passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2008, surrounded by the love of her family. Hilda will be fondly and cherished for her kindness, positive attitude and generosity of spirit. Hilda was born in Boston, MA in 1921 to Michael and Amelia Glove, two Italian immigrants who met in Boston's "North End" after separately coming to America. At the age of 7, her family moved to Arlington. Hilda graduated from Arlington High School in 1929. A good heard for figures landed her a wartime position at the Watertown Arsenal, where she worked for her future father-in-law. After the war, she met his son George Geddry and they were married in 1948. George and Hilda shared their lives together for 51 years, through happy times and difficulties. In 1952, they had a daughter, Linda (Geddry) Slattery, who resides in Greenfield, MA. Throughout the '50's, they lived in Cambridge, MA and Falls Church, VA. In 1960, they settled in Scituate, MA. After her daughter had grown, Hilda resumed working part time for various business offices. Her husband George predeceased Hilda in 1999. Her sister and best friend Ann, who was married to Thomas Geddry, one of George's brothers, predeceased Hilda in 2002. A terrific Italian cook , Hilda often showed her love through her cooking for others, always ready to offer anyone who dropped in a tasty meal or snack from her kitchen, or at least a treat from her ever full candy dish. Throughout her life, Hilda's love extended to the various pets her life; parakeets, dogs and cats were fortunate to be loved and spoiled by her. Hilda also delighted in feeding her outdoor animals as well-birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and even wild turkeys and raccoons. Hilda was a loving and caring soul, throughout all the stages of her life. She was caretaker to both her father and mother during their later years, moving them in with her husband and Linda. She cared for both her husband and her sister Ann during their illnesses and final days. Her faith and positive attitude always gave her a quiet strength, even throughout her own health struggles in her later years. Hilda leaves her family and many friends whose lives she touched and are all the better for having known her. This includes her daughter Linda (Geddry) Slattery and her son-in-law, Ken Slattery of Greenfield, who were blessed to have Hilda relocate to the Arbors in 2007, where she spent, as she said, one of the best years of her life. Hilda knew the value of friendship and cherished her friends. She sends her love to her friends from Scituate, especially her very dear friend, Marie. Although she knew them for far less time, Hilda came to love many people at the Arbors, and is grateful for their care and friendship. She especially wishes to lovingly remember her dear friend and companion, Dick. Besides her daughter Linda and son-in-law Ken, Hilda leaves her nephew and "adopted son" David Geddry, son of Thomas and Ann Geddry of Rockland, MA, his daughter Samantha, her nephew Tommy Geddry and niece Marilyn Geddry of Somerville, MA and her nephews Lee and Steve Geddry. She also leaves her granddaughter, Colleen Slattery of Holyoke, her granddaughter, Jennifer Slattery of Stamford, CT and her little pride and joy, her great-granddaughter, Gianna (Gigi) Cardillo. Arrangements will be private at the request of Hilda and her family. Sympathy messages may be delivered via the internet at
www.kostanskifuneralhome.com. A memorial celebration service for Hilda will be planned for springtime, a season embodying the hopeful spirit that was such an important part of Hilda's life. Hilda's positive outlook on life continues to be an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, her hope is that people will find a way to help someone who needs it. Make a contribution or volunteer your time in her memory, be it at a charitable organization, a community meal, a church, an animal shelter or anywhere else that you feel is appropriate. What you select is not as important as the fact that you chose to offer support, kindness, friendship and hope to someone in need in memory of Hilda Geddry. Kostanski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Published by The Patriot Ledger on Nov. 20, 2008.