Geraldine D. Frates

Geraldine “Geri” (DeMello) Frates, formerly of Acushnet, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 89. Born and raised in Dartmouth, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary DeMello. She was the devoted wife of the late William P. Frates, with whom she shared 60 loving and fulfilling years of marriage.

Geri was a proud graduate of Dartmouth High School and went on to attend Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing. It was during a school break that she met her future husband, Bill, at Lincoln Park—an encounter that began a lifelong partnership. After graduating as a Registered Nurse, Geri worked as a charge nurse at Union Hospital. Following their marriage, Geri and Bill welcomed seven children and eventually moved their growing family into the Acushnet home they lovingly designed and helped build.

A woman of remarkable strength and determination, Geri balanced raising seven young children while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southeastern Massachusetts University. She was also an entrepreneur at heart, developing a business plan that led to the founding of Acushnet Power Lines alongside her husband Bill.

Geri was deeply passionate about improving her community and believed strongly in the importance of education. She served on the Acushnet School Committee for several years, advocating tirelessly for students and families. Her dedication to community service extended to her involvement on numerous committees and organizations, including La Leche League, the Action Committee, Land Trust Preservation efforts, fundraising for the American Cancer Society, and the Acushnet Beautification Committee. She also helped organize the town’s annual cleanups for many years, always striving to make Acushnet a better place.

Geri found great joy in traveling, gardening, exercising, walks, and cherished Sunday dinners with her family. Time spent with loved ones—family and friends alike—meant everything to her. She was a consistently positive and uplifting presence, known for her kindness, compassion, and grace. Geri truly saw the good in everyone and inspired those around her to grow, give back, and live with purpose. Her life was a testament to strength, generosity, and an unwavering belief in making the world a better place.

Geri leaves behind her children, William Frates Jr., Leslie Stykowski, Francis Frates, Lisa Frates, Lynne Walsh, Maryanne Frates and her fiancé, Eric Zell. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Joseph Frates. She also leaves five grandchildren, Jamie Stykowski; Derek Sweet and his wife, Rachael; David Frates; Olivia Fay; and Lauren Kelly, as well as six great-grandchildren, Jyzair and her husband Lawrence Hendricks; Mikyle Hart; Reignon and Jevarus Hampton; and Colin and Travis Sweet. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Geri’s caregivers for their love and compassionate care, as well as to Community Nurse and Southcoast VNA for their support and dedication.

Geri will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will be cherished forever for the amazing woman she was and for always trying to better herself and all around her. Flowers are welcome or donations in her name to St Jude Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday January 14, @ 8-10:30am at Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. Funeral mass at St Mary’s Church in Dartmouth at 11am. Burial to follow at Acushnet Cemetery.