Geraldine "Geri" M. Zabko

She was born in Montague on October 24, 1949, the daughter of James D. and Amelia R. (Skiengel) Baird.

Geri grew up in Turners Falls and was a 1967 graduate of Turners Falls High School. She married William (Bill) Zabko and moved to Keene, New Hampshire in 1972. She worked for 37 years in various roles at Cheshire Medical Center, including Admissions, the Emergency Department and the Pain Management Clinic.

Geri was very social, fun-loving and cultivated numerous "Groups" of friends over the years. She was kind, generous and loyal. She maintained a close relationship with the "Girls from the class of 1967" gathering for lunch and special occasions. She also met regularly with her devoted Keene friends for pizza night, movies, shopping or to attend a play. The dinner parties with her "Diva Friends" were a special time celebrating great food, fun, friendship...and fine wine. Geri especially cherished her close bond and the time spent her "Sistas": whether it be a ride to the beach, Bloody Mary's and Brunch, a Sistsa's Soiree, her annual sister's Florida trip or planning a family event, she was always ready for an adventure.

Geri had a zest for life and many interests. She loved to shop and coordinate her spring palette into her wardrobe. Her love of color could also be seen in the vibrant flower gardens around her home with Gerbera Daisies being one of her favorites. Geri also loved music and singing to the “Oldies", especially Patsy Cline, Elvis, and the Everly Brothers. Any implement would serve as her microphone! Get-togethers with her large extended family, eating, singing, laughing and celebrating were among her favorite times.

Geri was a dedicated matriarch whose family was her treasure and she loved them unconditionally. She found immense joy in caring for her sons and her grandsons and being a witness to their happiness was one of her greatest joys. Known as Grammy Sandwich to some of her grandson’s friends, Geri loved to feed her “boys” and was a true food critic herself. She loved the beach! Her annual family trip to Camp Ellis Beach in Maine was the highlight of her summers for well over 30 years.

Geri was a true caretaker and Grammy, devoted mother, wife, beloved sister and true friend. Her love knew no bounds and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. She was, sincerely, a one-of-a-kind human being.

She will be greatly missed by many, especially her husband of 51 years, William "Bill" Zabko, her two sons, Jonathan Zabko of Merideth, NH, Matthew Zabko and his fiancé Stephanie Thompson of Spofford, NH, her grandsons Caleb Zabko, Dylan Zabko and Elijah Zabko; Her two brothers: Jim Baird and his wife Virginia of Greenfield , MA, Bob Baird, of Burgaw, NC; four sisters: Noreen Bogusz of Turners Falls, MA, Kathy LaPointe and her partner Duane Jenks of Montague, MA, Janice Tanyuk and her husband Dan of Erving, MA, Patty Dion and her husband David of Turners Falls, MA, and lifelong friend and cousins, Barbara Bourdeau of Turners Falls, MA and Ellie Underwood of Gill, MA.

Additionally, Geri leaves many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A celebration of Geri’s life will be held in Keene on April 13th at a time and location to be announced.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Mrs. Zabko’s memory to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, 825 College BLVD, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057; or to the Dartmouth Cancer Center at Kingsbury Pavilion, 580 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.