Geraldine D. Abi-Nader, 83, beloved wife, mother and Grandmother, formerly of Hermitage, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at Antonine Village Memory Care assisted living facility in North Jackson, Ohio.

Geraldine "Gerry" was born on Oct. 30, 1939, to Clara (Tomon) and Joseph DeRicco, and was named Geraldine Angela DeRicco.

She graduated from New Castle High School in 1957.

In 1962, she married George R. Abi-Nader Sr. in Abdelleh, a remote Christian village in the mountains of northern Lebanon, where for three years the couple lived as farmers, taking care of George's elderly parents.

Upon returning to the U.S., they settled and raised five children. Geraldine worked as an aide to students with special needs for the Sharon School District, and in retail at Walden Books.

Geraldine is survived by daughter, Jeannie (Terence) Wall of New Jersey, and their children, Georgette, Charlotte, Maria and Teddy; sons, Rachid (Diamant) of Florida, and their son, Antonio, Son- George Jr. of Sharpsville and his children Ben (Carolyn) and Lily, and Patrick (Kanako) of Florida, and their children, Emiko and Minako; brother, Joseph (Joyce) DeRicco of New Castle; and sister, Joan (Rick) Drageland of Maine.

Geraldine dedicated her life to defending the most vulnerable among us — the unborn.

She was a longtime active parishioner of Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Sharon, where she founded the Pro-Life Committee, and served as chairperson for 20 years. She was also very active with Pro-Life of Mercer County, where she served in many leadership positions, including chairperson.

In more recent years, she was a parishioner of Saint Maron's Maronite Catholic Church in Youngstown, Ohio, and Notre Dame Catholic Church in Hermitage. She also volunteered at The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio, the site where, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, she was graced by God's love with at least two miracles.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, George in 2007; her youngest child, Maria, in 1982; her parents, Clara and Joseph DeRicco; and by her brothers, Jimmy and Michael.

Geraldine was an avid reader and gardener. She nurtured the same Rose plants for decades, and a Gardenia plant for 53-plus years.

Geraldine made regular visits to Lebanon, Germany, New Jersey and Florida. She was loved by her family and so many good friends, and she will truly be missed.

Viewing and visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, in the vestibule of The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, 2759 N. Lipkey Road, North Jackson, Ohio, 44451.

The Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. and visitation will continue until the Funeral Mass begins at 11 a.m., with Chorbishop Anthony Spinosa serving as celebrant.

A private burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage, where Geraldine will be laid to rest next to her late husband and daughter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Antonine Sisters, 2675 N. Lipkey Road, North Jackson, Ohio, 44451. Please include the words "In Memory of Gerry Abi-Nader" in the memo.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Mill St.

Online condolences may also be offered to the family by visiting www.decarbofh.com.