Geraldine "Geri" F. (Starke) Simmons

Geraldine Frances “Geri” (Starke) Simmons, a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit, passed surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Born on June 21, 1930, in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the cherished daughter of Maude E. (McKeown) and Harold E. Starke.

Geri was raised in Roslindale and attended Boston Public Schools, including Girls Latin High School. The youngest of four children, she carried with her, a deep appreciation for family throughout her life. Of German, Irish, and Scottish heritage, she was proud of her roots and the values instilled in her from a young age.

Geri met her first love, John Semchenko Sr., and together they built a life grounded in devotion and perseverance. Married in 1947, they raised six children while living in Dorchester and Jamaica Plain. Life in those years was not always easy, but her strength carried her family through every challenge. She was a devoted mother who gave everything she had to her children.

After the passing of her first husband at the young age of 45, Geri once again found love in Joseph Leary. They married in 1968 and shared many happy years together, raising their family in Quincy and Rockland. Joseph’s sudden passing in 1982 was a profound loss, felt deeply by Geri and her children, who cherished him dearly.

In 1983, Geri moved to Taunton, where she built a new chapter of her life. There, she formed lasting friendships and became increasingly involved in her community. Her passion for fairness and advocacy led her to a career with the Massachusetts Office of Labor and Industries, where she worked for many years. A dedicated union member and shop steward, Geri was known for standing up for others and ensuring people were treated with dignity and respect.

Her commitment to public service extended into local government. Inspired by her involvement and encouraged by family, Geri ran for office and was elected to the School Committee, where she eventually served as Chairwoman of Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School until 1996. She took great pride in helping her community and supporting those she represented.

Later in life, Geri met Gilbert F. Simmons Sr., and the two shared a loving marriage after marrying in 1994. They spent many years together in Florida before his passing in 2012. Geri’s life was marked by love, loss, and the remarkable ability to keep moving forward with grace.

While living in Florida, Geri deepened her faith and became actively involved in her church community at St. John of the Cross in Vero Beach, FL.  Over more than 15 years, she devoted herself to the Carmelite order, ultimately becoming a Secular Carmelite. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister, offering comfort and compassion to those in need. Even after returning north, she remained active in her faith, including involvement with St. Ann’s Parish and her wonderful prayer group of ladies.

Geri was known for her sharp mind, strong opinions, and spirited personality. She loved a good debate and was never afraid to stand her ground. Above all, she was a fighter—someone who met life’s hardships head-on while continuing to grow, learn, and advocate for others.

Geri’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was the loving mother of: Karen M. Butler; the late Gerard F. Semchenko; John H. Semchenko; Elaine S. Heshion and her late husband David; Elizabeth A. Guillemette and her husband Richard; William J. Semchenko; Gilbert L. Simmons and his wife Carol; and Richard A. Simmons and his late wife Patricia. She was the cherished grandmother of: Tanya Semchenko-Rousseau, Alicia N. Semchenko, Robert J. Butler, the late Daniel Butler, Timothy Semchenko, Scott Semchenko, Joseph C. Heshion, Jaqueline Guillemette, Michelle Guillemette, Richard B. Simmons, and the late Jeffrey A. Simmons. She was also the great-grandmother of many. Geri also leaves many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Geri’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and determination. She will be remembered not only for the challenges she overcame, but for the strength, warmth, and unwavering devotion she gave to those around her. As we gather to honor her life, we celebrate a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Harold E. and Maude E. (McKeown) Starke; her husbands, John Semchenko Sr., Joseph Leary, and Gilbert F. Simmons Sr, she was predeceased by her sisters, Anna F. Starke, Mary Elworthy, and Ellen Piso.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Ann’s Parish, 675 N. Main St., Raynham, MA 02767. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A private burial at Mt. Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy will be held on a later date.  In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in Geri’s name to one of her favorite charities, St. Vincent de Paul, Tunnel to Towers or America Needs Fatima.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home. For directions or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.r-mfh.com

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