Gigi was born December 3, 1918, in San Jose, California. The daughter of Jenny and Vincent Zolezzi, she grew up in San Jose, where she attended Notre Dame High School. In 1940, she married the love of her life Dr. Warren Firenzi and settled in Willow Glen before moving to Saratoga in 1955. Gigi and Warren raised three daughters and enjoyed 30 years together. Warren preceded her in death in 1970.
With unmatched culinary, decorating, and hosting skills, Gigi’s dinners, holiday parties, and teas were legendary. She never used a measuring cup, created every recipe from memory, baked to perfection, and served with elegance. She was especially known for her delicious pesto, biscotti, and eggplant Parmesan. Sunday family luncheons were spectacular and reinforced love of family, loyalty, and her Genovese heritage.
Active until her final days, she remained informed about current events and politics and was a life-long learner. She excelled at word and card games, and was a champion Rummy Q player. She watched Days of Our Lives, daily since 1965. Gigi was a proud volunteer with the Montalvo Service Group and, with more than 50 years of service, established her record as the longest active member. She will forever be remembered as a positive, dynamic, powerful, and loving woman with a great smile and classic style.
Gigi is survived by her sister Lillian Zappelli; daughters Wareen (Anthony) Matukas, Carol Anglin, and Midge Firenzi; grandson Jeff (Jaimie) Anglin; and four great-grandchildren: Victoria, Evan, Isabella, and Christiana.
A private graveside service will be held at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome in her name to Smile Train and Hospice of the Valley.
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