She was born on June 29th, 1938 to Frank and Mary Ann Carnazza. She grew up in Yonkers, NY where she attended school. She worked at Gimbels department store in Yonkers, NY, as an Assistant Manager and fashion model. There she developed her keen sense of style. She also worked for the RKO Pictures / WOR Radio Child’s Fund in Manhattan.
She married her loving husband Gene on her birthday in 1958. Together they moved first to the 3rd Army Headquarters in Atlanta when Gene was drafted. After returning from Georgia, they moved to Greenwich, CT, Pleasantville NY and then their longtime home in Bedford Village, NY.
While in Bedford Village, she devoted herself to caring for her family and was an active volunteer. She was a Girl Scout Leader and the Vice President of the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Auxiliary in Dobbs Ferry NY. She also gave her time to Cancer Care, Bedford Village PTA and St. Patrick’s Church.
She loved arranging flowers and growing flowering plants including her much cared for hibiscus, African violet, and Christmas cactus plants. She arranged flowers for weddings and special events. She also loved time spent with family and longtime friends on her boat, on vacation in the Caribbean and Greek Isles and at home.
Later in life she and Gene moved to Madison, CT. There she enjoyed the good friends and the caring community of the Kensington Acres South condo association. She was an active member of the Madison Winter Club where she enjoyed the fellowship and good times during club dinners and other events.
She is survived by her husband Gene, her daughter Amanda and her son-in-law Jim of Niantic, her brother Frank and his wife Pat of Valhalla, NY, her sister-in-law Barbara of the Villages, FL, many nephews, nieces and cousins and her longtime friends Rita Garan, Lynne (Bunny) Phillips and Lynn and Mike Silverman. She is predeceased by her brother Joseph.
She was helped for many years by Gaylord Hospital and toward the end she received loving care from the Connecticut Hospice, the Lower Valley Care Associates and the Madison VNA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Connecticut Hospice at http://www.hospice.com/memorial-gift-2/. There will be calling hours at Swan Funeral Home on Saturday November 2 from 1pm to 3pm followed by a memorial service at 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT, 06443.
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