Shrewsbury – Jane Ellen (Connor) Gerardi, 70, a longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 22nd with the family she loved so much gathered at her side.
Jane was born in Dorchester, the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Miles) Connor. As a young child, her parents moved to Shrewsbury where Jane grew up. She graduated from Ascension High School, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Rivier University. Jane then returned home and met the “Love of her Life” Brian Gerardi. They spent the next 49 years devoted to each other raising their family with love and faith and would have celebrated 50 years together on October 14th.
Jane worked many years teaching first grade where she touched the lives of many children and families. School was also where she met her lifelong best friend, Gloria.
She is survived by her husband Brian; three sons, Brian Gerardi Jr. and his wife Meghan, Patrick Gerardi and his wife Michelle, Michael Gerardi and his wife Nicole all of Shrewsbury; four siblings, her twin, Christine Marie Love, and her partner, James Palange, John Joseph Connor II, James Miles Connor, Margaret Claire Connor; five cherished grandchildren, Owen, Connor, Lucy, Zachary and Liam; her best friend, Gloria DiGiacomo; Nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Two siblings, Jude Frederick, and Ann Eugenia Connor both predeceased her. Jane was also predeceased by her goddaughter, Shauna Jane Leduc.
Jane was a member of St. Anne’s Church and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Jane enjoyed watching Sunday Football, cheering on the New England Patriots. She loved traveling to Florida with her family and always looked forward to trips to New Hampshire, Maine, and Cape Cod with her sister and close group of girlfriends. Jane was an avid reader and each night you could find her warm and comfy on her couch, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
Above all this, Jane loved nothing more than being a grandmother to her “Fabulous Five”. Spending time with them and being the “Best Didi in the World” brought her the greatest joy. Over the last eleven years, she dedicated all she had to them and has created memories and holiday traditions to last a lifetime. Each of her grandchildren now have the strongest and most protective guardian angel they could ever ask for.
Throughout Jane’s life and up until her most recent hardships, she was never alone. Her best friend, Gloria DiGiacomo, has remained by her side throughout it all with unwavering love, care, and support. We could not be more grateful for Gloria and everything she has sacrificed and done for Jane and our family.
The family would like to offer a sincere thanks and gratitude to the wonderful staff of nurses and doctors on the Pulmonary Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital and on the Intensive Care Units at UMass University Campus for your kindness, compassion and amazing care of Jane.
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Sunday, January 29th 2023 from 3 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held Monday, January 30th from the funeral home with a procession to St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Mt. View Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers, please consider making a donation in Jane’s memory to the Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library. Jane always enjoyed bringing her grandchildren to their Children’s programs, especially music class.
