Geraldine Y. McDonald, 86, of Manchester, the beloved wife of the late John J. McDonald passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at home. Gerry was born in Detroit, MI, the daughter of the late Joseph and Yvonne Kreft. She lived in Woods Hole, MA and Montour Falls, NY for most of her adult life before moving to her daughter's home in Manchester 7 years ago. Gerry was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Her love of all living things was reflected in the many expressions of her creative talents. Her humble generosity will be remembered by all who knew her. Gerry is survived by her son and daughter-in-law John J. McDonald Jr. and Debi of Winthrop, MA and her daughter and son-in-law Kathleen Koehler and Glenn of Manchester; her grandchildren, Nicholas Johannessen of Barnet, VT, Emily Koehler of Charlotte, NC, Abigail Koehler of West Hartford and Natalia McDonald of Winthrop, MA; her siblings Joanne Browne and her husband Ray of Ferndale, MI and Joseph Kreft; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter Suzanne Johannessen who was married to Larry Johannessen of Wilmington, NC. The family would like to thank Herlina Leibenguth of Ellington, CT, all of Gerry's home care aides and the staff of Vitas Healthcare's Glastonbury office for the loving care and support they provided. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 11th, at 12:00 p.m. from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 12:30 p.m. at St. James Church 896 Main St. Manchester followed by burial in East Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to Vitas Healthcare CT (www.vitas.com/ct/connecticut-hospice/about-us/how-to-donate)