Geraldine Gertrude Conti

Born on December 15th, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Geraldine was raised in a loving household as one of many siblings; her childhood was shaped by the deep connections with her brothers and sisters. These early years instilled in Geraldine a profound sense of selflessness, community, generosity, and resilience that would define the rest of her life.

Geraldine was the devoted wife of John Conti Sr., the love of her life, with whom she shared 64 beautiful years of marriage. She carried the warmth and closeness of her family upbringing into adulthood, where she created a home filled with the same love and laughter she had known as a child. Together she and John raised six children: Alison Mercke (Russ), Cindy Fuselier (Jim), Michael (Donna), John Jr., Chris (Maria), and Tom. Her role as a mother was her greatest joy, and she embraced it with endless compassion, deep love, fierce devotion, fervent prayers, and quiet strength. She leaves behind not only her children but also many grandchildren including John Mercke Jr (Lois), Corey Mercke (Brianna), Amy Calderon (Stephen), Kimberly McCollum (Brad), Daniel (Hope), Joshua, Madison, Victoria, Danielle Chauncy (Tanner), Blake and Nick as well as great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Paige, Kathryn, Juliet, Oliver and Luna.

Geraldine’s nurturing heart extended far beyond her family. She was a pillar of strength in her community and touched countless lives through her generosity, faith, and quiet wisdom. Whether offering a kind word, a home-cooked meal, or a listening ear, she had an unmatched ability to make everyone feel cherished and at ease. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all those who were blessed to have been embraced by her kindness. She was also a survivor - Gerry triumphed over a stroke at age 40 and later underwent a lumpectomy at age 70 — both times meeting the challenge with courage, grace, and an enduring will to thrive. Her resilience inspired everyone around her.

Services will be held at St. John the Evangelist in Prairieville, LA on July 19th with visitation at 12:30, Rosary at 1pm and Mass at 1:30pm followed by a Celebration of her life at the home of Chris and Maria Conti at 16086 Acadia, Prairieville, LA 70769.