Gerri Karamesinis, 65, of Vernon, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, (August 6, 2011), surrounded by her family after her courageous battle against Cancer.
She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Steve Karamesinis; five children, Kimberly Bilotta-Geranios and Kevin Bilotta both from Pittsfield, MA, Kristen Bilotta-Brzozowski and her husband Marc Brzozowski of Coventry, Nikki Sanders and husband William Sanders, III of Smithfield, NC, and Alexandra Karamesinis of Vernon;a sister, Margaret Pate; and a brother, Lawrence Pate both of Harwich, MA. She loved and cherished her nine grandchildren, Zachary, Kristina & Nicholas Geranios, Joe Bilotta, Joseph, Melissa, Anthony & Giovanna Brzozowski, and Julian Sanders.
Gerri has numerous close family and friends whom she loved dearly. The family would like to thank each and every one of you who have been so loving & supportive, during this most difficult time.
Find out what's happening in Vernonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gerri graduated from Falmouth High School in 1964 and attended the Conservatory of Dance in Boston & Cape Cod majoring in dance & theater. She was an award winning ballroom dancer for over 10 years. She then studied photography and started her own business, Karamesinis Photography for the past 28 years. She holds a Master of Photography degree and a Craftsman degree. She is a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Connecticut Professionals Photographers Association (CPPA), and Professional Photographers of New England (PPANE) among a few others. She has won many prestigious awards including the “Hallmark trophy”, several “Court of Honor” & “Best in Show”, recipient of two “Fuji Masterpiece” awards, two “Kodak gallery” awards, and most recently she was the recipient of the “Lifetime Achievement” Award. As a former dancer, choreographer & theater performer, she is not only a competitive personality, but also an entertainer at heart. Photography is one of her great passions in life and surrounded herself with a network of wonderful friends whom she loved dearly.
She was an avid reader, finishing at least a book a week throughout her lifetime. Once diagnosed, she had to find a way to channel her creative energy and began quilting. As with everything in her life, she quickly mastered it. She completed 17 quilts in one year while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Find out what's happening in Vernonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gerri was a strong, loving, creative woman with a zest for life. Her infectious smile & playful spirit will be remembered by all. A loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother & friend, she will be deeply missed and in our hearts forever.
A Memorial Mass will be Celebrated on Wednesday, August 10, 11 a.m., at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery, Manchester. Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 9, 4-8 p.m., at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd., Vernon.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hartford Hospital, Attn: Fund Development/Mobile Mammography Program, 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102.
