Geraldine “Gerri” Krail Johnson Aiavolasiti passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. She was 80 years old. Gerri was born to the late George Webster Krail, Sr. and Virginia St. Angelo Krail on November 13, 1939 in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the youngest of 4 children: Dorothy Morrow (deceased), George Krail Jr. (deceased) and Virginia Decote (surviving).
Gerri grew up, then raised her family in the Uptown neighborhoods of New Orleans. She enjoyed family gatherings, dinners at good restaurants and clubs, and the occasional Mardi Gras Ball. She had a heart full of love and the patience of a saint in raising her children. She also had a deep love for her extended family, loving and supporting each member.
Gerri married George Aiavolasiti and her family quickly expanded. Her capacity to love was boundless. Together they moved to the North Shore where they opened Aiavolasiti’s Bakery (again and again) making numerous friends while forging strong community ties. They lived in St. Tammany Parish for 38 years.
Gerri had an enduring faith that gave her the strength to overcome so much loss during her life. Her strength forged an abundance of patience and love for her family and friends. She had the courage to face cancer head on and shared her unwavering resolve with her children and grandchildren until the very end.
Gerri was preceded in death by her love – George Aiavolasiti; her sons, Bruce, Larry and Billy Johnson and her first husband, William H. Johnson, Jr. She is survived by her daughters: Karen Johnson Beavert, Donna Johnson Hanle (Michael), Holly Aiavolasiti Caffarel (Michael), and Pamela Aiavolasiti; her grandchildren: Rachel Hanle Rice (Taylor), Jonathan Hanle (Logan), Jackson Hanle, Jessica Beavert Hrynkiw (Zeke), Copen Aiavolasiti Binder (Jeffrey), David Caffarel (Jessica), Brenton Caffarel, Emily Caffarel (Favio), Christopher LaBrosse (Lisa) and Jeremiah LaBrosse. Gerri was excited to welcome six great-grandchildren into the family.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, October 30, 2020 beginning at 10:00 AM at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Dr. in Metairie. A Catholic service will be held at 12:00 PM in the funeral home's chapel. Interment will follow in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum located in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Please note that masks are mandatory in addition to social distancing.
Gerri requested that donations be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org in lieu of flowers.