BELFAST — Geary Eleanor Tibbetts, age 87, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2026, just shy of her 88th birthday, surrounded by the love of her family at The Sussman House. Geary was born on October 31, 1938, the daughter of Mary (Lawrence) Perry and Daniel Joseph Doyle, and was later adopted by her stepfather, Norman Perry. She spent her youth in Belfast, attending local schools before graduating from Maine Central Institute (MCI) in Pittsfield.

Geary was exceptionally proud of her heritage, particularly her Irish roots, and held a deep appreciation for her beloved maternal grandparents, Grace (King) and Glenn Allan Lawrence, and their legacy of the Belfast Packing Company. Geary felt privileged to have had the opportunity to christen her grandfather's sardine carrier, the GLENN-GEARY, which was named after her and sister, Glenn.

Becoming a mother at a young age, Geary devoted her life and heart to raising her family. She was a gifted homemaker and an incredibly talented decorator and artist. Alongside her late husband, Jason Richard Tibbetts, she designed, built, and decorated several homes over the years. Her artistic talents knew no bounds—she was a master seamstress who lovingly crafted her daughters’ clothes, worked alongside her dear friend, Mickey, to hand-sew outfits for the entire cheerleading squad, and fashioned unforgettable Halloween costumes year after year.

Geary loved entertaining and always opened her home to family and friends; you were always welcome. Coming home for the holidays was always a magical occasion, as she transformed her home and tables into stunning displays of warmth and beauty. She was also fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and delighted in hosting an annual St. Patrick's Day dinner celebration for all of her friends.

Throughout her life, Geary resided in New Canaan, Connecticut, and Yarmouth, Maine, where she worked in retail and banking once her children were older. Yet, Belfast on Penobscot Bay was always the heart of her world. For decades, Geary and her family spent every summer at "The Villa," their cherished Belfast cottage. Upon retiring, she returned permanently to Belfast, building a home on the exact spot—this was the new Villa. She treasured every single day there, finding endless beauty in the changing tides of the bay, walking the beach, and crafting artistic treasures from the gifts the shoreline offered.

Geary found great joy in her pets, having shared her life with several Golden Retrievers and cats over the years. Most recently, her beloved cat, Oliver, was a constant companion, by her side most days. Geary held fond memories of her wonderful travels to Ireland, Scotland, and Alaska alongside great friends. She also cherished the great fun and enduring friendships she shared with her Perry, Bird, Moore, and Moses cousins throughout the years. To all of those who were fortunate enough to call Geary a friend, she was an exceptionally loyal and loving companion who truly treasured her friendships—and you all know who you are.

Geary believed deeply in giving back to her community. She volunteered for many years as a member of the Belfast Cemetery Committee, the Belfast Historical Society, and the Women’s Hospital Aid at Waldo County General Hospital. Serving as the Gift Shop Manager and Buyer for 13 years was a role of profound personal significance to her. As her grandfather had been a major contributor to the original building of the hospital and served as Director for 10 years. In addition to her volunteer work, she was a regular donor to many organizations within the community.

Above all else, Geary’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her three beloved children: Rebecca Grace Greene and her husband John, Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Delli-Pizzi and her husband Lou, Richard Allan Tibbetts and his wife Amy; her five grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure and was immensely proud of: Jason Patrick Greene, Maggie Kate Delli-Pizzi, Jack Ryan Delli-Pizzi, Kathryn Grace Tibbetts, and Samuel Richard Tibbetts. She is also survived by her brother, Daniel Perry; her nephew, Daniel Perry Jr; and her niece, Lori Cocca; several grand nieces and nephews; and her devoted cousin and friend, Larry Bird. 

Geary was predeceased by her parents, as well as her loving, dear sister, Glenn Anne Perry; and her sister-in-law, Sharon Perry.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life, Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m., at the Bay View Point Event Center, 15 Front Street, Belfast.   

Memorial gifts may be made to The Sussman House, 40 Anchor Drive, Rockport, ME 04856. 

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.