Geraldine M. (Savageau) Garrahan

passed away peacefully, on April 19, 2021, at her home in Narragansett, RI, surrounded by her family. She passed away just one week and one day after losing her dear husband of 66 years, Bill Garrahan. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Born April 23, 1930, in Woonsocket, RI, Geri was the daughter of French Canadian Edward Savageau and Florence (Seaver) Savageau, and she had two older sisters--Mary Lou and Claire. When Geri was only eight years old she lost her father and the Savageau girls, along with their mother, were left to navigate life on their own. The girls developed into strong young women and they remained best friends throughout their lives.

Geri graduated from high school in 1948, and worked as a dental assistant. In September 1954, she married Bill Garrahan, and as a young couple, they worked together as a team, setting up residences in Washington D.C., Worcester, MA, Brookline, MA and Warwick, RI, while Bill completed his medical internships and residencies, and she worked as a dental and medical assistant, to help make ends meet while he completed his studies. Eventually, they made their home in East Greenwich, RI, where they raised their five children and established strong roots in the community. It was a wonderful life.

Geri was independent, creative and motivated, and she had an exquisite sense of style--a talent she used to open her home furnishing boutique, Boudoir and Bath, in Warwick, in 1977. She also volunteered at Casa, as a court appointed advocate for children in need, and was a docent at The John Brown House Museum, in Providence. Once her children left the nest, Geraldine took on a new project, renovating an historic stone carriage house, in Narragansett, creating an elegant family home, with beautiful gardens. Geri was happy there, and she was happier still when all her family was around. She made every holiday special and every passing season magical.

Geraldine was a longtime member of The Dunes Club and of the  Pt. Judith Country Club, in Narragansett. She had a thirst for knowledge, enjoyed reading, learning and was often enrolled in one course or another. She loved to travel, and, together with Bill, they explored Europe, Asia, and the islands. She especially loved traveling to Europe to visit with her son,Tom, his wife and children, where he has lived for 35 years, and in 5 countries. In the end, however, Geri was always happy to return to her home in Narragansett, to her gardens, to her beloved animals, and to her adored family. She was a wonderful mother, and a great friend and companion to her children. She had an eye for beauty and a great joie de vivre. She had a way of making everything just a little more special. She will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

Geraldine is survived by her son, Tom Garrahan, daughters Pawler, Jennifer(Ron Ferro), Kristin, and Gretchen Garrahan; five grandchildren, Garrett(Jackie) and Hunter McIntyre: Rachel, Selena and Taylor Garrahan; and one great-grandchild, Margot McIntyre, and two beloved cats, Halo and Rusty. She is also survived by her sister Claire Powell, and predeceased by her sister Mary Lou Fagan.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday May 8th, 2021 at 11:00 am, for both Geraldine and WIlliam Garrahan at St Mary's Star of The Sea, in Narragansett, RI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Brothers/ Ocean Tides, 635 Ocean Rd Narragansett RI 02882.