Mary Gertrude (Fennell) Giaquinto, 81, of Linfield, wife of the late Vincent S. Giaquinto, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at her residence, surrounded by her adoring family. Born in Norristown, she was the daughter of the late Charles Sr. and Mary Catherine (McGarry) Fennell. A life well-lived, Mary Gertrude, was known by a plethora of names, including Mom, Ma, Mother, Mom Mom, Me Maw, Aunt Mimi, and “Mama Gert”.
When Mary Gertrude was born, the doctor said, “Well Charlie, you don’t have a bowler, but you got yourself a score keeper!” Well, that wasn’t entirely accurate, as she enjoyed bowling and was most proud of her high game of 277, that held the house record at Facenda Whitaker Lanes for nine years. In recent years, she could be found watching the live streams of her grandchildren bowling weekly.
Mary Gertrude met her beloved Vince on a blind date. This led to a whirlwind romance, a wedding six months later, and a remarkable 50-year marriage. She was devastated when he passed away so suddenly in 2020. Mary Gertrude was destined to be a mother, but she truly came to life when she became a grandmother.
Mary Gertrude dedicated 50 years to a life of service. Her career began at Sacred Heart Hospital. She had been retired for six months, when she was asked to do a short-term assignment at The Meadows at Shannondell. Five years later, “The Golden Glove” retired from this beautiful facility, where she was well-known for throwing an annual New Years Eve celebration for all of her residents. Mary Gertrude was incredibly proud when she was awarded the Nursing Service Excellence award in 2005.
Mary Gertrude was the most giving person. If she had it, and you needed it, it was yours. If she could help you, she did. It was said that she never stopped helping anyone in her entire life, even when she needed help for herself.
Mary Gertrude really wasn’t happy unless she was in the kitchen with her family, whether it was preparing a turkey dinner, baking fruitcake/nut rolls, rolling Easter eggs, spending time with her grandchildren, or preparing for her annual Easter egg hunt. Her baked products were legendary!
She enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle. She wouldn’t hesitate to outbid her opponent, meld a run, aces and double pinochle, all while needing two cards. At the end, she knew exactly how many tricks she had taken, as well as how much trump was played.
She truly enjoyed her nightly dinners and poker games with her family and her monthly lunch and poker dates with her dear brother and sister-in-law, who always made her their priority. After all, the greatest gift that one can give is the gift of time.
Mary Gertrude enjoyed her summers at the Jersey shore, taco Tuesdays, prime rib Fridays, going to the boardwalk, attending church at her summer church, and spending time with her grandchildren and her summer family at the pool. “On the way to Cape May” was the anthem of her life.
She was one “tough lady” which was clearly evident in her last weeks of life, as she never gave up.
Surviving are her cherished daughters Bernadette A. Darragh, Mary Kate Glinski (wife of Rob), Jane Marie Swavely (wife of the late Darrin), and Julianne Pinner (wife of the late Jerry) and her beloved grandchildren Darrin, Alex, Eileen, David, Marty, Caitlyn, CJ, Vincent, Kayley, and Katie. Also surviving are her brother Vince Fennell, her sisters-in-law Linda Fennell and Elizabeth Zubko and her beloved canine companion Thor, who misses his table partner and daily dinner scraps immensely, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings Bernadette Fennell and Mark Fennell.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Teresa of Calcutta, 256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473. Burial will follow at Limerick Garden of Memories. Visitation will be held Friday from 9:00-10:30 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Gertrude’ s memory to Holisticare Hospice, 985 Old Eagle School Rd., Unit 504, Wayne, PA 19087 or to the hospice of your choice. The family is humbled by the hospice experience provided by the staff of Holisticare Hospice. The care, concern, and genuine empathy that they showed to Mary Gertrude and family is unparalleled and will never be forgotten.
The family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support received during Mary Gertude’s illness and following her death. Mary Gertrude was a profoundly amazing woman, which is evidenced by the people who showed up for her and for the family she leaves behind.
Mary Gertrude’s family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to everyone, but especially to Christina Miller, who loved her like a mother, and provided direct hands-on care without hesitation.
Our advice to everyone reading this is simple . . . be like Mama Gert!!!