Carolyn Rita Geraghty (nee Guma), 86, was born June 9, 1936, and died May 12, 2023, surrounded by all of her children and many of her grandchildren. Carolyn graduated a year early from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, New York, before attending Brooklyn College where she excelled. While Carolyn’s academic achievements were exceptional, she opted to marry and have children as many women in the fifties did, after meeting the love of her life, James Geraghty. Carolyn is survived by her younger sister, Marion Ianicelli, and niece, Donna. Carolyn is survived by nine children: Karen Pugliese; Susan Lambert (Timothy); Margaret Curtin, known as “Peggy” (Timothy); Christine Geraghty; Jeanne Bamberger; James Geraghty (Kathleen); Jacqueline Geraghty; Laura Eimiller (Gary); and Linda Geraghty (late John Mullin). Carolyn is survived by 14 grandchildren: Elizabeth; Louis; Jennifer; Joseph; James; Michael; Jacqueline; Austin; Carolyn; Sarah; John; Kerry; Kevin and James. She is survived by six great grandchildren: Sean; Alexander; Liam; Brayden; Lily and Freya. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Josephine Guma (Santacera); her brother, Gerald Guma; and her beloved husband, James Patrick Geraghty. Carolyn was born in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn and, after marrying James (whom she met while working in Woolworths Department Store after James returned from serving in the Air Force), had two children and moved to Long Island where she had seven more children. Carolyn and James lived by modest means but their children were rich in the knowledge of her love for them, and her encouragement of their love for each other, which endures today.

Carolyn was known to welcome everyone lucky enough to cross her path. She displayed an uncommon acceptance of others - even strangers - and would impart words of wisdom with confidence. A devout Catholic, Carolyn’s faith sustained her, and her thirst for knowledge kept her quick-witted and always sharp throughout her life. In addition to being a devoted wife, compassionate mother and grandmother, Carolyn was known for writing poetry prolifically, spontaneously and skillfully. She was inspired to write about nature, animals, holidays, romance, patriotism, motherhood, life and death, and her grandchildren, among other topics. Carolyn was most comfortable at home where she enjoyed her family and the loving place she made for them. Relying on her Italian roots (with some marital Irish fusion), she was an amazing cook. Her home was always an oasis of comfort and visitors never left with an empty stomach, nor musings based on their thought-provoking conversations with Carolyn and the company she kept. Carolyn came to be known as Nanny to her burgeoning family and always seemed to have the answer to every question; whether the topic was literature, crossword puzzles, baseball (she loved the Mets) or life, in general. Never judgmental, nor fawning, Carolyn found true happiness in the accomplishments of others, but she never mentioned her own. Clearly, she didn’t have to. Carolyn Geraghty was selfless and lived up to the highest standards of motherhood, friendship and humanity. May she rest in eternal peace.