Vera E. (Melchior) Geissinger, 93, of Ashland died suddenly Monday, October 11th at the Casa de Ramana Rehabilitation Center. Born in Germany, Vera was a long-time resident of Hopkinton, and has been a resident of Ashland for the past 16 years. She was the only child of Walter and Charlotte Melchior.

Vera immigrated to the US in the early 1950s after a brief sojourn in Canada. She settled in Hopkinton with her husband and her son, where they refurbished an old house themselves. A hard-working homemaker, Vera raised three children, maintained a large vegetable garden, and sewed clothes for her family. She was an avid gardener of flowering plants as well, and sold them as a sideline for many years. In her spare time, Vera enjoyed a variety of crafts including knitting, crochet, and ceramics. Travel was another of her passions; she visited many countries later in life, from Europe to North Africa.

Vera leaves her son, Kurt Geissinger, and his wife Elaine, of Bellingham, MA; her daughter, Karen Blazevich, and her husband Michael, of Montana; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Karl Geissinger, and her daughter, Margie Matteson.

A remembrance gathering is being planned. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.