Elizabeth Ann Gentile

Elizabeth A. Gentile, 90, a longtime resident of Norwich CT died peacefully at her home in Orange CT.

Elizabeth was born March 20, 1926 in Norwich, the daughter of Joseph and Mamie (Brogno) Piacenza. Elizabeth’s siblings include Nancy (Egidio) Cicchiello, Benjamin (Barbara) Piacenza, Rudolph (Marie) Piacenza and Joyce (Donald) Coletti,and is predeceased by her older brother Samuel (Virginia) Piacenza. Elizabeth will also be missed by many nephews and nieces. Elizabeth was previously married to Daniel “Rocky” Gentile (deceased). The family is grateful to her longtime aide Irene who provided excellent care and companionship and to her longtime friend John Gwiazdowski.

For many years Elizabeth was a stay at home mom in her well loved home on Cliff Street. She was known for her excellent meals, holiday dinners and excellent cakes. Elizabeth was a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Church and a Den Mother. Always an entrepreneur, she was a salesperson for Avon and aloe vera products. For many years, she worked as a receptionist and switchboard operator at the Uncas-on-Thames Hospital from which she retired. Elizabeth then began a long career as a Justice of the Peace and performed many happy and customized weddings in her home and at various locales. Elizabeth was a faithful member of the Elaine Powers Fitness Center.

Elizabeth also had a lifelong love for pets, starting with dachshund Leo and her poodles Roquette, and Adorabelle which she trained to be a therapy dog. Known for her heavy foot on the pedal, Elizabeth enjoyed driving her large cars including her Riviera, New Yorker, Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac Fleetwood. She always arrived in style.

Elizabeth will be missed by her son Daniel and wife Deborah of Albany, NY, and her daughter Regina and husband Thomas Johnston of Orange CT. She will also be missed by grandchildren Noelle and husband Nate, Amanda and husband Jason, Tim and wife Stacey, and Elizabeth and husband David. Elizabeth was also great-grandmother to Noelle’s daughters, Isla and Lucia.

Funeral Service will take place Thursday March 2, 2017 at 10:00 am in Saint Mary’s Church in Norwich followed by internment at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth’s memory can be the Connecticut Hospice at www.hospice.com. Please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.