Geraldine K. Masten

Geraldine K. Masten, lovingly known as Geri, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026. She was born on September 11, 1940, in Fairfield, Connecticut, to Marjorie and Henry Kraskie. Geri’s boundless energy drew her to the faster pace of city life. She attended Marjorie Webster College in Washington, DC, and after graduating, moved to New York City. There, she worked in the famed garment district, the historic core of American fashion, where her interest in clothing and design deepened. Later, she returned to her hometown, where she soon met her future husband and true love, Thornton. Geri and Thornton married and made their home in beautiful Fairfield, Connecticut, where their two daughters were also born and raised. Throughout their lives, Geri and Thornton referred to their marriage as a true love story. Together, they were an incredible team and role models for their children. They were wonderful supporters of their daughters’ love of animals and wildlife. Geri loved the coast and Long Island Sound. She enjoyed spending time boating and exploring harbors around Connecticut with Thornton and their children. After retiring, Thornton and Geri decided to purchase a business to” keep busy” for 17 more years. Eventually, they found themselves ready to relax into life’s next chapter, selling their business and building a home in the quaint town of East Lyme, Connecticut. Throughout Geri's life, she loved volunteer work and building community. Early on, teaching conservation and awareness in classrooms to young children, and on-site at the Mill River Wetlands and the Connecticut seashore. She and Thornton were supporters of Connecticut Audubon. She was a Junior League member involved in countless endeavors. One of her favorite charity events was organizing the Decorators' show house held at the Burr Mansion in Fairfield, which incorporated her love of decorating and design. In their earlier years, Geri and Thornton were avid tennis players who often welcomed the New Year with midnight matches among friends. Geri also loved entertaining and gourmet cooking. She hosted monthly themed dinner parties with friends and made holidays especially memorable for her family. Geri devoted her life to her two daughters, Jill and Laurie. She treasured her close-knit circle of childhood friends and the dear friends she made throughout her life. Geri will be remembered for her beauty, elegance, love, and enthusiasm for life. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends. She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Jill and Aaron Urbain of Newtown, Connecticut, and Laurie and Tom Torrance of LaPorte, Colorado; her sister, Jayne Olson; her nephew and his wife, Tyler and Laura Mario; and her two nieces, Camden and Isabel. She was predeceased by her husband, Thornton Prescott Masten. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Katie and Rosie at Pathways Northern Colorado and to Seniors Helping Seniors of Fort Collins, Colorado, for their compassionate care and support. A private celebration of life will be held later this year at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Geri’s memory to Pathways Northern Colorado, Seniors Helping Seniors of Northern Colorado, or The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado.

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Geraldine K. Masten

September 11, 1940 - May 13, 2026