Gertrude P. “Gerty” (Connolly) Keough, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 89.
Gerty is the daughter of the late John and Margaret Connolly. She is the beloved wife of the late Francis “Frankie” Keough and mother of their five children, Francis and his late wife Robin, Paula and her husband Dan, John and his late wife Sandy, Denise, and Daniel and his wife Marie. Gerty is Nanny to 11 grandchildren - Christina, Erica, Jessie, Allie, Patrick, Jennifer, Amanda, Maggie, Harry, Megan and Joe and 9 great grandchildren - Mackenzie, Liam, Luke, Robert, Terry, Riley, Lyla, Lainey and Iris. Gerty is one of 9 siblings including her loving and devoted sisters Peggy VanGorder and Barbara Swales and her brother George, the late John, Joe, Jimmy, Mary Johnson and Loretta Blalock. Gerty is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and lifelong friends.
Gerty grew up in Charlestown and graduated from Charlestown High School. Gerty worked for many years as a bookkeeper while raising her five children. Gerty loved everything Red White & Blue or Green! Her favorite past time was listening to the Irish Hit Parade on AM radio every Saturday. Noel Henry’s Irish Showband was her favorite band. She relished spending as much time with her family whether it was on the shores of Hampton Beach or in attendance at school and sporting events.
Gerty was very talented at sewing, knitting, crocheting, ceramics, and was an accomplished and self-taught seamstress who made or remade many of her own clothes. She was in demand during prom and wedding seasons as well.
Gerty’s family is so thankful for the love and care given to her by her caregivers Jenn, Danielle, Ana and Katty. She loved them all and they gave her love, companionship and impeccable care every day.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Gerty’s funeral on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by her Funeral Mass at 11 A.M. in St. Francis De Sales De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. Her burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Her visiting hours will be held on Thursday January 8, 2026 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Gerty’s name to:
St. Francis De Sales Church Building Fund
46 Winthrop St.
Charlestown, MA 02129.