Obituary of Geraldine T. Fernand

Geraldine Fernand (née Silano), 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Morris Plains on July 3, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, New Jersey.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street, South Orange, New Jersey. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

Born on July 6, 1934, in South Orange, New Jersey, Geraldine was raised in the close-knit community she loved. In 2018, she moved to Morris Plains to live with her daughter, where she continued to enjoy the love and support of her family.

Geraldine was the beloved daughter of the late Nicola and Angelina Silano (née Magliaro). She was predeceased by her brothers, Rocco Silano and Charles Silano, and is survived by her loving sister, Josephine Kirk (née Silano).

She was the devoted wife of the late Edmund J. Fernand, former owner of the Club Diana in Union, New Jersey. Together they built a loving family. Geraldine was the cherished mother of Edmond Fernand Jr. and his wife, Linda, and Michelle Martin and her husband, Joe. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Joseph and Michael Martin, and Isabelle and Genevieve Fernand, who brought her endless joy.

Geraldine also leaves behind her beloved nieces, Kathy and Joanne, her nephew, John, and a host of extended family members and dear friends. She was especially proud of her large family, which included 53 first cousins, and treasured every opportunity to gather with them.

Geraldine started her career at Mitchell Supreme Fuel Company in Orange and progressed to retire from the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education. A woman of deep faith and generosity, she devoted many years volunteering at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, where she faithfully served her parish community.

She loved nothing more than being surrounded by family, sharing delicious meals, listening to good music, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Our Lady of Sorrows Food Pantry in Geraldine's memory.