Geraldine "Geri" Malatesta, 92, a kind and selfless woman of quiet dignity and uncommon depth and intellect, died on June 19, 2017, at Brooksby Village in Peabody, where she resided the last ten years. Although she was naturally modest and bemused by the characterization, she was often referred to as a "saint" by her loving family.
Born in Freedom, NH, Geri grew up in Laconia, NH, and was valedictorian of her high school class of 1942. She was also a brilliant debater and public speaker and won many national and regional competitions and awards. Geri continued her education and debating at Bates College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Sigma Rho. At Bates she met her future husband and best friend, the late Richard "Dick" Malatesta, who died in 2014. They were married almost 66 years.
After college Geri taught English and history at high schools in Rangeley Lakes, ME, and Hanover and Quincy, MA. She and Dick married in 1948 and settled in Arlington, MA, where they lived for almost half a century. They had four children and also raised a nephew, the late Richard Dean Malatesta. During her years as a mother and homemaker, Geri was very active in the League of Women Voters, the PTA, church groups, and various community causes. After her last child left for college, she worked at Harvard University and was appointed the Department Administrator in History at Harvard. She was known there for being "admirably steady and assured," and for her efficiency, quiet wisdom, exceptional organizational abilities, and powerful work ethic.
Impressive accomplishments notwithstanding, Geri's greatest impact came from who she was more than what she did. Highly principled herself, Geri was not judgmental, always saw the good in people, practiced tolerance, and lived her Christian faith quietly every day. She was unfailingly gracious and always maintained a positive, upbeat attitude. Self reliant and disciplined, she never complained--ever---and was always grateful for what she had--even during the difficult final months of her life.
Geri's greatest joy came from her family. She was adored by her children and grandchildren, who all consider her an amazing role model. Geri also loved traveling, especially to Europe, and was legendary for planning complex trips flawlessly. Her favorite trip was in 1998, when she and Dick celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and renewed their vows in a candlelit Tuscan chapel with all their children and grandchildren in attendance.
Geri was predeceased by her husband, Richard J. Malatesta, and her sister, Edna Sage, of Florida. She is survived and will always be loved by her children: Phyllis Meade and husband Jeffrey of Acton, MA; Joan Storey of Lexington, MA; Jan Penney and husband Bruce of Arlington, MA; and Steven Malatesta of Billerica, MA; by her grandchildren: Elizabeth Meade Warren, Dr. Kathryn Penney, Melissa Penney, Christopher Meade, Scott Penney, Jonathan Penney, Rebecca Penney, and Alexandra Socha; and by her great-grandchildren: Lila Warren, Emmy Warren, and Lucy Onofrio.
Interment will be private. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 11 a.m., at the Brooksby Village Chapel, McIntosh Building, 300 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be sent to: Bates College, Attention: Gift Processing, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston ME 04240, or online at www.bates.edu/campaign. Click on "Give Today."