Marguerite "Rita" Heinimann

Marguerite (Gurgigno) “Rita” Heinimann, affectionately known as “Hubbard”, 95, of Wethersfield, peacefully passed away at home, Thursday, August 22, 2024 with her loving daughter, Audrey by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Hellmuth Heinimann. Marguerite was born March 11, 1929 and raised in Bristol, one of eight children to the late Antonio and Rosaria (Villone) Gurgigno.

Seeking her purpose in life, Marguerite attended nursing school, but it wasn’t her true passion. Instead, she discovered a talent for creating innovative advertising and had been employed by the Bristol Press newspaper.

It was in 1955 when she met Hellmuth; they were married soon after and began their family. A devout Catholic, Marguerite assisted her daughters for 50+ years in the rectory of The Church of the Incarnation, Christ the King Parish. In addition to volunteering for Meals on Wheels, she helped whenever needed at local school or church events, including Wethersfield UNICO and Wethersfield Dollars for Scholars. She was also a member of the Women’s Club at the church. Being very spiritual and committed to lifelong learning, she pursued a college education at the age of 65, studying World Religions at Central CT State University. Throughout her life, she maintained a strong interest in the stock market and finances. She was always open to discussing stocks with others, sharing her insights and engaging in conversations about investment strategies. She was regarded as the matriarch of our family, will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her loving family.

She leaves a son, Helmut M. “Pope” Heinimann and partner Andrew (Andy) Nystrom in Palm Desert, CA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Carole and Robert (Bobby) Hyde in Canton, GA and Audrey and Craig Saharek in Wethersfield; adored grandchildren, Alexandra and Luke Saharek, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, blended family members especially, Kennedy Hyde, and many family and friends in the US, Italy and Switzerland. In addition to her husband and parents, Marguerite was predeceased by a daughter, Domenica Elisa Heinimann Torrance and siblings, Victor “Vito” Gurgigno, Pasquale “Patsy” Gurgigno, Joseph Gurgigno, Filomena “Fannie” Nesta, Peter Gurgigno, Concetta “Connie” Schur and Rose Scheessele.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Saharek family, especially devoted caretaker daughter, Audrey, for her unwavering support and compassionate care during Hubbard’s final years on Blueberry Hill. There are no words to describe our appreciation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Saturday, August 31, at 9:30 a.m. in The Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect St. Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Christ the King Parish at the above address. There are no calling hours and a private burial will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Marguerite, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com