Giavanna Faustina Annarella

Giavanna was born at home in Corona, Queens, New York, to Domenico Lavalle and Stella Tufanisco on December 18, 1927. She was the youngest child in the family. Her mother passed away two weeks later due to complications from childbirth. She went to school in Corona, Queens, New York. She served as an Assistant Retail Buyer for several years at Best & Company in New York City.

Affectionately known as “Gi” or “Gigi” she was a beloved mother, grandmother and aunt of many nieces and nephews. Her priority in life was raising her two children, Maria and Antonio. She was extremely close to her sisters, their spouses, and their children. She adored her older brother who helped raised her as well as her older sister. She grew up with her younger brother who used to tease her. Whenever the two caused trouble, they engaged in a mutual blame game.

In 1950 Gigi met Sergio Annarella at a nightclub. She married him on April 26, 1952, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Long Island City, New York. They spent their honeymoon in Miami, Florida. After their marriage they moved a few times through the Midwest before settling down in Islip, Long Island, New York. Upon Sergio’s retirement, they moved to Ormond Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed 20+ years of the sunny state. Upon his death in March 2014, Giavanna was moved to Virginia to be closer to her daughter, Maria, Edward and her two grandsons, Michael and Andrew. She spent her remaining years in an assisted living facility.

Gigi was the social butterfly among her family and friends. She loved to sing, dance, and tell jokes. One of her nieces remarked “Your mom had a great sense of humor and was a hit at family gatherings”. She was a helping hand for those who needed help and understanding. She always had a smile on her face, loved her visiting grandchildren, enjoyed everyone’s company and sang along with anyone who was playing music. She had a big heart and most everyone she met loved her.

Giavanna is preceded in death by her father Domenico, her mother Stella and her husband Sergio. As well as all her brothers and sisters and their spouses. As the final child to be born, she was also the last to be laid to rest.

Giavanna is survived by her two children and five grandchildren: Maria R Berman (daughter) and her husband Edward Berman, their two sons, Michael and Andrew, Antonio Annarella (son) and his wife Donna Annarella, their three children, Christina, Philip, and Stephanie.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the Capital Caring Hospice Organization.