Born March 1st, 1935 in Burlington VT, Veronica Mary Evangeline Mello, known as Ronnie to her friends and family, grew up during the Great Depression and World War 2. After working as a bank teller in Providence Rhode Island (while singing swing and big band in clubs by night) she married Henry Dias, a Korean War veteran and Stonemason.
After moving with her family to California, Ronnie opened a clothing store, Pisces Inc., in West Covina and sold 60s fashion clothing and accessories, many handmade.
Ronnie spent her life making other lives better. She volunteered at Leroy Home for Boys and David and Margaret Girls Homes, helping children from all walks of life. Ronnie managed and ran 3 city events as part of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce. Western Days, (which she co-founded) the American Indian and Cowboy Artists Festival, And the Vaudeville Talent Showcase (which she Co-Founded with Bernice Walther). Vaudeville ran from the mid-1970s until 1991 and showcased local song, dance, and comedy talent. Ronnie also volunteered and ran the City of San Dimas Halloween Festival and Haunted Hall, the Teen Talent Show, and was selected as San Dimas Citizen of the year in 1987, is a lifetime member of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce, after having previously won Woman of the Year honors from Pomona Valley Women’s Association.
Pianist, Guitar player, Painter, Dancer and Singer, Ronnie founded the Birdcage Repertoire Group in the early 80’s to bring comedy and song-and-dance routines to children in trauma hospitals, veterans in VA hospitals, and senior citizen centers, which they did for the next 15 years. Later in life she worked in the Human Services department for the city of San Dimas while teaching beginning art classes to after-school students. She retired from the city in 2000.
Ronnie passed away of natural causes Thursday September 17 at 12:20 PM in Pomona CA, after visits from her three local children.
Ronnie is survived by her daughters; Roxanne, Lesley, Allison and her son Henry, her grandchildren Benjamin, Jenny, Danielle, Nicholas, Winter, Dylan, Arianne and Jennifer, her great-grandchildren Iris and Jada and her beloved Pit Bull Caligirl.
Rest In Peace my beautiful mother. You made a difference in the lives of so many and meant the world to all of us!
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