Geraldine Rose (Lucchesi) Cuoghi

Geraldine Rose Lucchesi Cuoghi, born July 28, 1929, lost her brave battle with multiple myeloma on August 20, 2018. Geri was born in Memphis, TN, the daughter of proud Italian immigrant parents and was the oldest of four children with three younger brothers, which shaped her strong personality! She was tiny in stature but larger than life. She was the one to encourage her entire family to be their best and always had a better idea. She always said, "The lazy man finds a better way to do something." But in reality, lazy was not in her vocabulary. A medical technician before her marriage in 1951, she embraced motherhood and was an avid volunteer for many Memphis non-profit organizations. The Memphis Symphony League, Madonna Circle, and St. Luke's Circle were just a few organizations to benefit from her leadership. She was an extraordinary cook, a trait she inherited from her father, who was a chef. She had her recipes published in many Memphis cookbooks. Her family was on the Mediterranean diet before it was popular! Having three daughters meant there were no "boy" jobs around the house and she pushed her daughters to be educated and independent and not to rely on a man for their livelihood. A woman before her time. Geri and Vince began taking ballroom dance lessons in 1967 as a way to be together without kids! This hobby took them all over the South, where they performed in competitions. Many trophies were won! Their specialty was Latin dance. Best rhumba in town! They eventually taught continuing Ed at University of Memphis and at senior living facilities. They continued this activity until recently. She dearly loved her 7 grands who all have benefitted from her advice and was very excited when the 7 great-grandchildren started coming. She moved to Albuquerque in 2015 with her husband Vincent to be near family. There will always be a huge hole in our hearts for this little dynamo though we will always have her words for guidance. "Here, have some more vermicelli soup!"

She leaves her devoted husband of almost 67 years, Vincent John Cuoghi; brother, David Lucchesi of Memphis; daughters, Teresa Edens (Jim), Stephanie Caratenuto (Joe), Camille Hamilton (Randy); grands, Cuoghi, Sara, Travis, Joey, Christina, Vincent and Patrick; great-grandchildren, Jack, Henry, Owen, Tristan, Brooks, and twins Nora and Reece.

Graveside Services will be held Monday, August 27, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. However, a big whoop Dee Doo of Geri's life will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at the Albuquerque Country Club, 601 Laguna Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, 87104.   A light lunch will be served.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation or Madonna Circle Inc., 2300 Hickory Crest Dr., Memphis, TN 38119.