Devona Vivian Girolami

Dee was the eldest daughter of John D. and Melba Crise and grew up in Coronado, California. She attended Sacred Heart School in Coronado and received her high school diploma at Cathedral High School (Class of 1954) in San Diego. With a keen interest in biology, Dee attended the San Diego College for Women (University of San Diego) where she earned Bachelor of Science Degree in 1958.

After completion of her university studies, Dee began as a career as a medical technologist at the Rees Stealy Clinic in San Diego. While building her own career she met Dr. John J. Girolami, a US Navy officer stationed in San Diego. The two were married on November 30, 1963 in Coronado and they remained happily married for 58 years having raised three children in Chula Vista, California.

Dee was a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Chula Vista for over fifty years. She participated actively in the life of the parish community in various roles including Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish Counsel, and as a lector. She was truly passionate about Catholic education and held many leadership roles at St. Rose of Lima School. Dee was a substitute teacher at the school and served as the President of the Parent Teacher Group for two years. She was later appointed to serve on the Board of Education of the Diocese of San Diego.

Dee was a keen sportswoman who enjoyed playing tennis and golf and took great delight in watching her six grandchildren play soccer, softball, and baseball. As a life-long San Diegan, she was particularly fond of watching the Padres with her husband and loved watching Notre Dame football games as a couple throughout the fall. She also enjoyed travel to Ireland and Italy with her husband along with trips to visit her grandchildren in Calgary, Canada.

While passion for sports was noted, she enjoyed cooking and baking for her family most of all. Dee had a gift for bringing joy to her family and friends through good food and warm hospitality. She inspired her children and grandchildren to carry on her culinary traditions and to be warm and welcoming hosts to all.

Dee is survived by her husband John (Jack) Girolami of Chula Vista, her son John J. Girolami and daughter-in-law Shelley Girolami of Helena, Montana, her son James Anthony (Tony) Girolami of Bonita, California and daughter Anne Marie Fontes and son-in-law Ruben R. Fontes of Bonita, California, along with grandchildren Brittany Pulsifer and her husband, Jon Pulsifer of Helena, Montana, Kirsten Girolami of Helena, Montana, Ruben A. Fontes of Bonita, California, Anna P. Fontes of Bonita, California, Sofia Girolami and Natalia Girolami of Bonita, California.

A funeral mass is scheduled for April 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, in Chula Vista, California. Interment will take place at Miramar National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Rose of Lima Church.