Geraldine "Gerry" Kniskern

Geraldine I. “Gerry” Kniskern, 70 of Worcester, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle on Monday, June 26, 2023, surrounded by love from her three children, sister & brother-in-law at St. Vincent’s Hospital. 

Gerry was born and raised in Worcester, a daughter of the late Albert L. and Rita (Duchaine) Kniskern.  A graduate from Doherty High School, Worcester was her forever home. Gerry had the biggest heart and was “Ma” to so many foster children over the years, who she loved like her own. She was a seasonal camper at Coldbrook Campground, where she had many friends. She enjoyed doing crafts, her flower gardens, hummingbirds and loved her five chihuahua’s Chi-Chi, KG, Ariel, Champ, and Puka all who predeceased her.

Gerry is survived by two daughters, Tracy Kniskern and her spouse Chris Bird of Paxton and Rebeccah Kniskern and her fiancé Dan Gauthier of Rochdale; a son, Roger Rossignol of Worcester; five grandchildren who were the light of her life, Symantha Surowaniec, Christopher Bird Jr., Vincent Bird, Israel Mendez, and Riani Rossignol; a brother, Henry “Hank” Kniskern of Fort Myers, FL; three sisters, Kathleen Hackett of Paxton, Lorraine Robinson of Myrtle Beach, SC and Deborah Conrad of Clearwater, FL; her longtime friend and companion, Kenny Cashman of Worcester; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. She is predeceased by a sister, Virginia “Ginny” Kniskern. 

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, July 8th from 11 am to 1 pm, immediately followed by her funeral service at 1:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. The burial will be private.

In lieu of cards & flowers a GoFundMe has been created if you would like to help with expenses, the url is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gerry-live-the-time-she-has-left-comfortable