Geraldine "Gerry" B. Massa, 89, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away on June 19, 2021, at Cedarhurst of Collinsville.

Gerry was born April 13, 1932, to Raymond Ellsworth and Mary Bertha (Schwind) Bowers in Duboise, Illinois.

She dedicated her life to teaching, working for the Unit 10 School District for over 33 years. She began her career in 1961, in Dorris Elementary and retired from Hollywood Heights in 1994.  She loved the children she taught, but nothing compared to the love she had for her twin grandchildren that changed her life once they were born.  Gerry enjoyed volunteering for St. John UCC in whatever capacity was needed.  She loved to read and was a world traveler with her husband, Jim.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim Massa in 2019; and sisters, Rose Mary Emerine Levreault and Annalee Lucille Bowers.

Survivors include her son, David Massa and wife, Tracy Ehrhardt-Massa; grandchildren: Ethan David Massa and Erin Elizabeth Massa; nieces and nephews: Pamela Danette Gates, Brian Kendall Gates, Douglas Jerome Gates and Stacey Lisette Gates Vancil; numerous great-nieces and nephews; as well as ten nieces and nephews by marriage; and life long friend, Cathy Benvenuto.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Herr Funeral Home, 501 W. Main, Collinsville, Illinois. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Collinsville, Illinois.