Vera Geissinger

Vera E. (Melchior) Geissinger, 93, of Ashland died suddenly Oct. 11 at the Casa de Ramana Rehabilitation Center. Born in Germany, Vera was a longtime resident of Hopkinton, and had been a resident of Ashland for the past 16 years. She was the only child of Walter and Charlotte Melchior.

Vera immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1950s after a brief sojourn in Canada. She settled in Hopkinton with her husband and her son, where they refurbished an old house themselves. A hard-working homemaker, Vera raised three children, maintained a large vegetable garden, and sewed clothes for her family. She was an avid gardener of flowering plants as well, and sold them as a sideline for many years. In her spare time, Vera enjoyed a variety of crafts, including knitting, crochet and ceramics. Travel was another of her passions; she visited many countries later in life, from Europe to North Africa.

Vera leaves her son, Kurt Geissinger and wife Elaine of Bellingham, her daughter, Karen Blazevich and husband Michael of Montana, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Karl Geissinger, and her daughter, Margie Matteson.

A remembrance gathering is being planned. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.