Catherine (Sylvia) McMahon Geary of Oak Bluffs died Jan. 18 in Marblehead. She was the daughter of the late Rep. Joseph A. Sylvia and of the late Alida (Swartz) Fuller. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph H. Sylvia. She was the widow of Brig. Gen. Leo P. Geary, USAF. Prior to that, she was married for 50 years to William A. McMahon, until his death in 1992.

She was a graduate of Oak Bluffs High School and of Jackson College of Tufts University. She lived for 10 years in Arlington, and for many years in West Hartford, Conn. She was a teacher and guidance counselor in South Windsor, Conn. She maintained close ties with many of her students over the years.

She visited the Vineyard every summer and was an active member of the East Chop Tennis Club and of the East Chop Beach Club. She was an enthusiastic tennis player into her eighties.

She leaves her children, Cindy Clancy of Marion, Jill McMahon of Centennial, Colo. and Thomas McMahon of Lynn; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held next summer on the Vineyard.