April 2015
When their son and daughter competed on the rodeo circuit, Geraldine “Geri” Ann Innocenti and her husband, Tony, F56315, traveled by motorhome to events mostly within an hour of their Victoria, Texas, home.
“After the kids graduated from high school and went to college, we started traveling a little more,” Tony said.
Did they ever.
They learned about FMCA from people they met on the road, joined in 1983, and immersed themselves in the organization. Geri served on the Member Recruitment Committee from 2003 to 2004. Her husband held numerous positions, including national vice president, South Central Area, from 2003 to 2007.
Geri died January 21, 2015. She was 78.
Tony, who sold his successful glass business at age 50, said he and his wife were fortunate to be able to travel when “we were still young, and had a lot of energy.” He said his wife didn’t necessarily have a favorite travel destination. “She loved to travel in a motorhome and go to the Family Motor Coach Association outings. She wasn’t particular. Just anywhere FMCA was.”
She most enjoyed “visiting with different people. She loved to meet people. She had friends all over the United States. You ought to see the sympathy cards I got — stacks and stacks of them.”
The couple’s daughter, Susie Motal, said it was common for her parents, as they were leaving on a trip, to say, “We’ll see you later. We’re going for a month.” Her mother enjoyed helping in the kitchen at FMCA rallies, she said.
In addition to her husband of 60 years and two children, Geri is survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with another due in May.
Donations in memory of Geri can be made to Crown Hospice, 1101 Salem Road, Victoria, TX 77904; St. Mary’s Catholic Church Fund, P.O. Box 2448, Victoria, TX 77902; or a charity of your choice.
Editor’s Note: At press time, it was learned that Tony Innocenti passed away on March 2 at his home in Victoria, Texas. More information will be included in the May issue of FMC magazine.