Melissa "Missy" Martin Gerard

Missy, age 52 of West Warwick passed away at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center in Providence on Friday September 27, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Missy was born in Cranston and the daughter of Virginia Aurelio McDevitt (James McDevitt) and the late Norman Martin. Missy is survived by the love of her life, George Gerard and their two sons Matthew Gerard (West Warwick) and Cameron Gerard (Cranston). She is also survived by her brothers Anthony Martin, Michael Martin (Mary Colerick), Robert Martin (Diane Martin) and sister Jill Martin (Paul Sivo).

Missy had a gift of making people happy and believing in themselves. Her nurturing nature helped many to turn their lives around. She was always thinking of others first and seeing the good in people. Her generosity had no boundaries, If Missy had something you wanted she would give it to you without hesitation. She would literally give you the shirt off her back or purse off her shoulder.  Her biggest gift to us was her love. A love like no other. That unconditional love that made you feel like you were the only one on earth that mattered. To know Missy is to love Missy.  Her contagious smile will be missed but forever engrained in our hearts.

She worked as a travel agent for years, was an avid baker and crafter well known for her chocolate covered pretzels, Pink cookies and spectacular wreaths.  She had a zest for life, chance and adventure. She loved the Beach, travel, and Donny Osmond and she could fix anything from the dishwasher to the furnace. She loved to travel to the Caribbean, enjoyed going on cruise ships with family and often considered Virginia Beach her home away from home.  Missy always felt her biggest accomplishment in her life was her children. She is so proud of Matthew and Cameron; not just for their work and school accomplishments but because of who they are. Good, honest young men, wonderful sons, with a sense of family and respect for others.  She loved her husband George with her entire being and often said they had the perfect love story. Whether they were on road trips, watching the Bruins (Missy was Brad Marchand’s original fan) or sitting on the couch watching Live PD she loved being with him. It was always better when they were together. She loved her “G”.

Missy was truly amazing. A mother to many and a friend to all. Her positive attitude was unbelievable.  In lieu of flowers Missy would like you to hug someone and tell them you love them, pay it forward with random acts of kindness and celebrate her love and her life.

The family would like thank all the doctors and nurses at RI Hospital, We would also like to thank all friends and family for all their support, cards and prayers, and The Management and Employees of Materion for their support of the entire Gerard Family. George would also like to thank the family for pulling together and staying by Missy’s side. And we all would like to thank Missy for her love and changing our lives forever. Missy truly made the world a better place. The family would also like to thank Missy's angel here on earth, Ruthie McGovern Forehand for everything she had done for us.

Her wake will be held on Friday, October 4th in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME& CREMATORY 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston.  Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4-8 pm. The Memorial service will be at the same location Saturday October 5th at 10:00 am.