Geraldine F. Avery, 74, passed away peacefully on January 7, with the love and support of her family by her side.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.

Geraldine was born on April 19, 1937 in Winthrop, daughter of Winifred and Flora (Thomas) Rivers. She attended St. Lawrence High School, and was a part of the First graduating class in 1955. On February 3, 1968 she married Hollis Avery in Malone, with whom she shared in a devoted union just shy of 44 years. The love, faithfulness and devotion that Hollis and Geraldine had for each other was truly evident, “Where ever Dad went, Mom was right there with him” her children stated.

Gifted in many areas, Geraldine was always a hard worker. She first worked as a seamstress for The Dress Factory in Malone, then as a baker at the P and C in Massena. Finally, for 15 years she spent her time delivering paper for the Watertown Times, the position which she retired from in 1997.

She was a phenomenal seamstress, and took much pleasure in flower gardening and cooking. She had a passion for the “old” country music, like Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn, to name a few. Geraldine and Hollis would look forward to every winter, for this is when they would travel to their “second home” in Florida, an inseparable trip spent together for 11 years.

Geraldine is survived by her husband, Hollis; her mother, Flora Thomas of Massena; her children, David and Jane Black of Winthrop, Donald Black of Winthrop, Duane and Patty Black of North Lawrence, Dennis Black of Clifton Park, Madonna and Menny Merchant of Sealcove ME, Kim and Brian Stone of Winthrop and Lisa and Kenneth Pike of Massena; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Shirley Ott of Winthrop.

She was predeceased by her father, Winifred Rivers; and a brother who passed away at birth.

Visitation will be Tuesday January 10, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Geraldine’s Celebration of Life, which will commence at 11 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.

Those wishing to do so, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Online memories and condolences may be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.