Geraldine Connell

Worcester, MA, USA – Geraldine E. Connell, 91, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at her home. Her husband, Everton M. Connell, preceded her in death in 2016; and her daughters Diane J. Pettersson and Deborah C. Connell, preceded her in death.  She is survived by her son, David M. Connell, and his wife Cheryl of Northbridge; two daughters, Esther J. Connell of Worcester and Juliette M. Connell of Miami, FL; two granddaughters, Tiffany and Leah Connell; three grandsons, Dr. Matthew Connell and his wife Lindsey, Michael and Jessenia, and David Joshua Connell; and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Madison, Saimaya and Emalise.

Geraldine is also survived by two sisters: Millicent C. Nurse of the USA and Barbados, and Anita Greenidge of the United Kingdom. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ivan Clarke, Llewellyn Clarke, and Austin Clarke, and  sisters-in-law, Pamela Clarke and Jasmin Clarke. Additionally, she was predeceased by brothers-in-law Rev. Dennis Greenidge and James R. Nurse.

She leaves behind numerous family members in the United States, Barbados, the United Kingdom, Canada, Bermuda, and Europe, including the Clarke, Greenidge, Nurse, Walcott, Brown, Burgess, Armstrong, Ottley, Berry and Franklin families.

Geraldine immigrated to the United States in 1970, leaving behind a flourishing seamstress and milliner profession, to settle in the City of Worcester. Eventually, she worked in the medical profession, retiring from UMass Memorial. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she provided guidance to many with her reassuring smile and encouragement. A member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Worcester and previously, The People’s Cathedral and River Road New Testament Church of God in Barbados, where she used her remarkable singing voice from her youth to bless many. Geraldine expressed God’s love and often referred to John 14:3, “And If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” She will be remembered as a pioneer for transplanting her entire family to the United States in pursuit of positive possibilities for future generations. We will miss her flavorful Sunday meals and Bible-based discussions.

A Memorial Service will be held at Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Burial will take place in Hope Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Geraldine will be dearly missed by many friends and family.