Geraldine Gavin Viano

Geraldine Gavin Viano a'" 86 Oil Executive a'" Floral Designer a'" Philanthropist

Geraldine Gavin Viano of Walpole and Pocasset died today after a long illness. She was 86. The loving wife of the late Paul Viano. Mother of Paul Viano, Jr., Nancy Viano Brown, Gavin Viano, Michael Viano, and Frank E. Viano, II. Sister of the late Theodore E. Gavin, Jr. and Matilda, "Sooky", Davis. Sister in law of Donald Viano.

Gerry was the president of Beaver Coal & Oil Company, Norwood Garden Center and the Principal Floral Designer at the Brides Bouquet in Norwood for over 30 years prior to her retirement.

Mrs. Viano was a prolific philanthropist over her entire life. She was the past President of the Catholic Women's Club of Walpole, President of the Guild of St. Irene at St. Sebastian's School, A Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She initiated a pilgrimage to Lourdes for Cardinal Cushing's Special Children. Gerry was a past President and member of the board of Alumnae of Norte Dame Academy where she was a graduate of the Roxbury campus in 1939. She organized the return of the stained glass windows from the old Roxbury campus to the School's new home in Hingham where they are the centerpiece of the campus. She was recognized as Notre Dame's Woman of Achievement for her work on behalf of the school she loved.

In 1968, Mrs. Viano sent a Christmas Care Package including live Christmas trees for both officers and enlisted men to US Marines stationed in Vietnam. Also, over a 35 year period she provided Christmas dinner and presents to inner city families in Boston

Mrs. Viano leaves 13 grand children and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the Saint Mary's Church 176 Washington Street East Walpole on Friday Morning, June 20th, 2008, at 9AM. Visiting hours are Thursday afternoon from 4pm to 8pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street Walpole. Interment Saint Francis Cemetery Walpole. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to Notre Dame Academy Advancement Fund 1073 Main Street Hingham, Massachusetts 02043-3996