Geraldine "Gerry" (Murtaugh) Avigian

SALEM - Geraldine “Gerry” Avigian, beloved wife of the late Dickran “Dick” Avigian, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at CareOne at Essex Park, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Salem on March 20, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ruth (Murtaugh). She was raised and educated in Salem and attended Salem High School.

Gerry was a devoted wife and mother who dedicated her life to caring for her family. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great pride in making sure her children were always well cared for. She and Dick shared 70 years of marriage, building a life centered on their family and the love they shared.

Gerry worked for Michaud Bus Company as a school bus driver and later worked for Salem Public Schools where she prepared and served lunches in the school cafeteria. She was an accomplished candlepin bowler and enjoyed knitting and crocheting, making sweaters, hats, and gloves. She also loved playing cards, especially cribbage, a game she taught her children while they were growing up.

A passionate Boston sports fan, Gerry especially loved the Red Sox and the New England Patriots, particularly during the Tom Brady years. She was never shy about sharing her opinions of her teams, and when the Red Sox weren't winning a World Series, she had a way of letting everyone know exactly what she thought of them.

Gerry was a strong woman with a sense of humor that was second to none. Making her children laugh came naturally to her, and even during the difficult final years of her life, she found ways to bring smiles to their faces. Whether through a funny expression or a playful look, she reminded her family of the humor and spirit that made her so special. She faced life's challenges with strength and fought until the very end.

Gerry is survived by her children, Jeanine Breard of Cathedral City, California, Judith Crosbie and her husband, Michael, of Salem, Richard Avigian and his wife, Brenda, of Beverly, Stephen Avigian of San Francisco, and Jeffrey Avigian of Salem; her grandchildren, Adam Crosbie, Corey Crosbie and his wife, Michelle, Justin Crosbie, Alexa Beard, Matthew Avigian, Katie Wiberg and her husband, Dylan, Patrick Avigian, Kate Avigian, and Aidan Klingelhoffer; and her great-grandchildren, Chase Crosbie, Violet Crosbie, and Dax Wiberg. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Francis, Donald, David Murtaugh and Patricia Cyr (Murtaugh).

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Gerry’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Thursday, October 29th at 11 A.M. with a visiting hour to be held prior to her service from 10 to 11 A.M. Her burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to: Care One at Essex Park, Attn: Hannah Unit, 265 Essex St., Beverly, MA 01915 or to the Alzheimer's Association 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.