Bruna E. Guinane

Bruna E. Guinane, 98, of Preston, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025 with family at her side. She was born in New York City on May 31, 1926, the daughter of the late Robert and Maria (Borini) Abelli. The family later moved to Bridgeport, where Bruna attended high school and worked at Western Union as a bookkeeper. There she met her future beloved husband of 71 years, “Jack” Guinane. They raised four children in several coastal towns including Niantic and Westbrook before settling in Preston. She also worked for Central Vermont Railway in New London and C & C Moving in Norwich.

Bruna especially enjoyed cooking Italian dinners for her family. She also enjoyed making quilts and baby outfits for her children and grandchildren and for charities including for unwed mothers in Groton. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena in Preston and a member of the Ladies Guild. Most of all, Bruna, who always had a smile on her face, treasured spending time with her family. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who dedicated her life to her family, always placing their needs above her own.

She is survived by her daughters Christine Johnson and husband Lyle of Franklin, Bonita Favello and husband John of Lisbon; son Tim Guinane of Preston; “baby” brother Rudy Abelli of Stratford; sister-in-law Mary Guinane of Elmira, NY; grandchildren Jessica Bonchuk and husband Scott, Darren Favello and wife Katie, and Ashley Favello; great-grandchildren Nathan, Courtney, Jason Jr., Samuel, Luciana, Eli, and Theo along with a special niece Julie Bellavance and many other nieces and nephews. Bruna was predeceased by her husband Jack in 2019, her son Daniel Guinane, her grandson Jason Johnson, and her brother Alfred Abelli.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the nurses and health aides at Bride Brook Nursing Center for their compassionate care during her brief stay there.

Calling hours are on Friday, May 2 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena, 243 Route 164, Preston. Interment will be at Preston City Cemetery, Preston immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Catherine of Siena, Preston. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.