Geraldine “Gerri” Elizabeth Fescina, 83, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Born on November 18, 1942, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Geraldine was the beloved daughter of James and Elizabeth Glover, who preceded her in death. In 1963, she met Micheal Anthony Fescina on a train for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and they married on August 5, 1967. They were married for 60 wonderful years.
A lifelong learner, Gerri graduated from Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. In her younger years, she was a member of the Modeling Guild and modeled for local fashion stores in Scranton, PA. She devoted many years to teaching Home Economics and Special Education before embarking on a distinguished second career as an analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she earned numerous achievement awards in recognition of her exceptional service.
Gerri was a devoted member of St. Olaf Catholic Church. She was also active in her community as a member of the Colonial American Italian Organization (CAIO) and a proud active member of the James City County Republican Women’s Club.
She embraced life with enthusiasm and elegance. Gerri loved shopping, cooking, traveling the world, attending the theater, playing Canasta, golfing, and spending time with friends. She especially enjoyed playing Mexican trains with her neighborhood friends and the excitement of visiting a casino. Whether hosting family gatherings or celebrating the holidays, she delighted in creating a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter, delicious meals, and cherished traditions.
Family was the center of Gerri’s life. She found her greatest joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her grandchildren and grand dogs held a special place in her heart. She appreciated the finer things in life and was known for her impeccable style, never leaving home without her jewelry, makeup, and a beautifully coordinated outfit.
Gerri is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Fescina; her children, Michael Fescina (Robin), Anthony Fescina (Becky), Francine Durbin (James), and Justine Holland (Michael); her beloved grandchildren, Erika, Jordan, Jacob, Joshua, Lauren, Michael, Ava, Patrick, Adriana, Evangeline, and Gianni; and her siblings, Daniel Rist, Sean Rist, Maureen Marchessault, Cathy Strauch, and Mark Rist, along with many extended family members, treasured friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, Virginia, on August 8, 2026, at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gerri’s memory.
Gerri will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her generosity, her grace, and her ability to make every gathering feel like a celebration. Her legacy of love, hospitality, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
