Geraldine Norma Chiappe

Our precious mother Geraldine (Gerry) Norma Chiappe was born June 14, 1939 in Stockton, California to Bernardo Domenico Bonora of Finalborgo, Italy and Emma Marie Reggiani of Cavezzo, Italy. Gerry had one older brother, Bennie Bonora, whom she adored.

Gerry spent the first 12 years of her life on the family farm in Farmington, California, attending a two-room school house. At just seven-years-old her father passed. She and her mother stayed on the farm for another five years before moving to Stockton. Gerry always felt she was a farm girl at heart and often reminisced about her days climbing cherry trees, playing with the farm animals, and other farm-life activities.

Gerry completed the rest of her education in the city, graduating from Stockton High School. Gerry married Elio Chiappe of Lavagna, Italy, on August 25,1956 at St. Gertrude’s Church in Stockton, California.

Together they pinched pennies, both working hard to get a start in life. In 1957 Sandra was born and Julie followed in 1960. Shortly thereafter, the family of four moved to the Monterey Peninsula where there was an opportunity to partner in the John Roscelli Corporation, the local garbage company.

Gerry was very organized and created a well-oiled business office. Despite being a working mom, Gerry maintained a tidy house, put delicious food on the table, sewed clothes for her two girls, using her grandmother’s paddle sewing machine, and created a beautiful garden. Gerry loved spending time in her garden where the farm girl in her flourished.

Gerry was very talented and always found a moment to delve into various projects. She loved to paint, knit, sew detailed barbie doll clothes, hunt mushrooms, and weave baskets. Gerry also enjoyed history, and thanks to her, our family has a detailed genealogy. Gerry and Elio traveled several times to Italy to visit family. They also visited Spain, Bermuda, Hawaii, as well as historic sites throughout the United States.

Gerry had many gifts. One was her ability to make a person feel comfortable, and she truly listened. She is lovingly called “Nonni” by her four grandsons. She loved it when any one of them would stop by and chat. She often would say, “I love those boys so much!” An ardent defender and supporter of her family, she always put family before herself. Her strength, love, and support will be deeply missed. Gerry believed in the Almighty Father and is resting in his loving embrace.

Gerry wanted the nurses of Garden East at CHOMP to know that she was thankful for their gentle and thoughtful care. She also wanted to thank Dr. Bulumulle, Dr. Vierra and Hospice of the Central Coast.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Elio; daughters, Sandra Swenson and Julie Chiappe; four grandsons, Jeffrey Abraham (Samantha), Andrew Abraham, Mark Swenson, and Evan Swenson (Taylor); four great grandsons, Carmen, Epic, Ace, and Stellar. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law Georgette Chiappe, and several nieces and nephews all of whom she loved dearly.

Those wishing to honor Gerry are invited to make a donation in her name to Rancho Cielo, Inc. PO Box 6948, Salinas, CA 93912.

A Mass will be held at the Carmel Mission Basilica on February 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception in Crespi Hall.