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Dace Gionfriddo Obituary
Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, on July 19, 1956, Dace was the daughter of the late Augusts and Beta (Kalnins) Vijups and grew up in Vernon, Conn. Dace was married to A. John Gionfriddo, who preceded her in death in 1995.
Dace's two great loves were her husband, John, and their company, Gio-Graphics, which they owned and operated in Manchester, Conn. Dace was a creative and award-winning businesswoman and a generous friend to many. She was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Charlestown, and she enjoyed gardening, cooking and Andrea Bocelli. Dace especially enjoyed entertaining her family and friends at their home, The Pink House on the Pond.
Survivors include her two sisters, Mara Vijups, M.D. and her life partner, Doris Hughes of St. Albans, and Anda Vijups and her husband, Paul Coons, of Vernon, Conn.; her companion, Yvan Blais of Westerly and lifelong friend, Ginny Gibson of Manchester, Conn.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 15 East Beach Road, Charlestown, R.I.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dace's name may be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Road, Williston, VT 05495 or the St. Andrew Lutheran Church Food Pantry/PNC, 15 East Beach Road, Charlestown, RI 02891.
Assisting Dace's family and friends is the Heald Funeral and Cremation Service of St. Albans. Messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dace Gionfriddo
Nancy Dunker
September 22, 2008
To the family of Dace: I remember Dace and John when they used to dine at the Casa Nova Restaurant in Vernon, CT back in the early 1980's. They were such a happy couple and always so kind and generous. Then we met again years later at the law firm where I currently work. Again, they were both wonderful and caring people. Dace was always so positive and upbeat no matter what the circumstances were. It was a joy to know her. My deepest sympathy to all her family and friends.
Ang
September 17, 2008
Dace I can't seem to wrap myself around this. I can't let go of you my friend. Please don't go! I love you so much! Ang
Ang west
September 17, 2008
I will love you forever
Louisa Casadei-Johnson
September 16, 2008
Mara, I have such fond memories of you when we were growing up together. I'm so sorry for your very sad loss. Peace of mind and heart to you. With love, Louisa Casadei-Johnson
Tom Schaeffer
September 14, 2008
I had the privelidge of knowing Dace from elementry school through high school. We had some wonderful times together and [ although we lost touch over the years] I will hold the memories that we shared close to my heart. She will be missed and she was indeed loved.
Marrianne Hulbert
September 14, 2008
Dear Sweet Dace, you're the sister I never had and the best friend anyone could ever hope for. Your laughter was infectious, your generous nature so sincere. You gave from the heart like no one else I know. Dace girl, you were so very, very special to me, it is unbearable to think how much I miss you. Thank God you are at peace now, for that I am thankful. Until we meet again, "love you lots"! Marrianne
Gerlinde and John Orfitelli
September 13, 2008
Dace, We will never forget the great times we had with you at the Pink House. We laughed so much and played cards for hours. You always made everyone feel so welcome and what a fabulous host you were. We will always remember you and the time we shared together.
sheila saunders
September 12, 2008
Mara, Just a note to say I'm thinking of you during this time in your life. I'm glad that you were able to be present with Dace when she passed. That is truly a gift not to be taken for granted. All the best, love to you, xsheila
Teresa Lucas
September 12, 2008
To Dace's Family,
I offer my condolences and prayers of support during the diffcult times of adjustment ahead. And with special regards to my old elementary school friend, Mara--you are a part of my warm memories. May the God of all peace comfort you.
Teresa (Latulippe) Lucas
Bonnie Tierney
September 12, 2008
Dear Mara and Doris,
I can't tell you how saddened I am by the news of your sister's passing. I'm actually speechless - she was way too young but I know the memories you have shared together have been beautiful and will last forever! May God be with you at this time.
Andrea West
September 11, 2008
My dear Dace....I am trying to remember a kinder time when we shared our July 19th birthday together. I remember we sported t-shirts that read "I am what is great about July 19th". I still have mine after all these years and now I will never part with it. With so much fondness and emotion I am taken aback to when I wrote The Pink House On The Pond and presented it to you and your "funny valentine". The words are right here next to me. It is with great difficulty and tears that the news of your passing came to me. I am beside myself with sorrow and such regret for those times we said we would get together and didn't. I think you know how much I love you! I will never forget "us" at the Horse, the beach, the Pink House and your incredible wedding! The poem I wrote for your wedding was called "Once Upon Love".....not just John, but the love that was so infectious from you. I will love you forever, my friend and I will look for signs of you in another dimension. I know your "funny valentine" was there to guide you on your ethereal journey. Love, Andrea
Arlene (Robak) Thibodeau
September 11, 2008
Dace,
I will miss your humor, guidance and most of all your friendship! You were the greatest friend to my father JR when he needed it the most, and for that I will always be thankful to you. May you rest in peace!
Mary Jean Pelham
September 10, 2008
My condolences to Doris and Dr. Vizups. A sad loss of such a young woman.
Mary Jean Pelham
Yvan, Angelese, Valerie, Dace
Valerie Blais
September 9, 2008
Dace, I don't even know where to begin, you have been such a great friend to my dad, the kids and myself. You were such a strong woman and you admiration for the world never seized to amaze me. Thank you for all the laughs, the support through my crazy times and the darn GREAT food throughout the years. The kids are gonna miss you so much along with myself and my father, Thanks for eveerything and see ya in the future.
Valerie, Angelese and Demitris.
Robin McAlllister
September 8, 2008
Dace,
I am going to miss you so much. I just can't believe you are gone. Your strength and humor amazed me. What a classy lady you were. My deep condolences to Mara, Ginny, Yvan, and Anda and all those who loved her. I will always remember Dace.
Love,
Robin (Addison) McAllister
Alice Cloutier
September 8, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Lynda Green
September 8, 2008
Dear Maura,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your sister.
Brian Levesque
September 8, 2008
Dace, you were a wonderful friend and boss. We will always remember you. You will always be in our hearts. Love Debra & Brian & family.
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