Geraldine "Gerri" (Lee) Whitney

Geraldine ‘Gerri’ Lee Whitney, 77, of Somerset, MA (formerly of Barrington, RI), passed away peacefully at home on April 22nd, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 11, 1947 in Boston, MA, Gerri was the daughter of Robert E. Lee and Marguerite (Bohan) Lee. In 1961, she moved to Barrington with her three siblings—Bill, Elane, and David.

Gerri was the beloved wife of Carleton ‘Spud’ Whitney, her high school sweetheart and husband of over 56 years. She is also survived by her loving daughter Christine and son-in-law John Leonetti, along with her four cherished grandchildren: Catherine, Lizzie, Michael, and Nicholas.

A proud graduate of Barrington High School, Gerri went on to study Education at Wheelock College. She began her teaching career at Fletcher Nursery School and spent many years shaping young minds in Barrington as the beloved ‘Mrs. Whitney.’

Gerri’s greatest joy was her family. She loved hosting gatherings and was never happier than when surrounded by the people she loved most. Her grandchildren affectionately called her ‘Gee,’ and she doted on them endlessly—making each one feel deeply special and loved.

A gracious and exceptional cook, Gerri loved entertaining and decorating her home for every holiday. Her motto was always “the more, the merrier,” and everyone felt welcome in her home.

She treasured her longtime friendships with the ‘Lunch Bunch,’ a group of dear friends who shared decades of memories and unwavering support. Gerri was also a member of the Rhode Island Country Club, where she eventually took up golf and enjoyed outings with the “nine-holers,” especially the post-round lunches.

Gerri and Spud shared a love for the water, spending countless happy hours aboard their boat, the ‘Gee 23.’ They especially loved taking their grandchildren tubing and enjoying peaceful sunset rides down the river, often stopping in at The Cove.

Gerri was a kind and nurturing soul who always put others first. She watched over and cared deeply for her family, and her gentle, generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are invited to support Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and its mission of granting life-changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses. Gifts in loving memory may be made online at www.massri.wish.org or via mail to: Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 133 Federal Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02110.