EASTHAMPTON - Christina Anne "Chris" Cavallari, 57, of Emily Lane, Easthampton, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 30, 2014, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, after a brief illness.
Christina was born July 7, 1956, the daughter of Edward F. and Josephine (Serio) Cavallari of Easthampton. She grew up in Northampton, attending Hawley Grammar School and later Northampton High School graduating with the class of 1974. She entered Boston College receiving her bachelor's degree in Psychology and graduated in 1978.
She worked briefly for Borawski Travel before joining the family at Serio's Market on State Street. She was the owner and manager of Serio's and had worked there for the past 30 years. She was a familiar face to the customers and friends who passed through every day. Chris enjoyed her work, the friends she made and the many people she employed throughout the years. Serio's was more than just a grocery store, it was a home away from home for Chris and the many people who shopped or worked there.
She was a longtime supporter of Riverside Industries, with Serio's Market, Chris could offer developmentally disabled people an opportunity to work and socialize within the community, giving them a sense of dignity, pride and self-worth. She was a member of "Bag Share", a group of local people recycling shopping bags through a sewing group. Chris loved to be involved in her high school reunions, planning and participating in numerous events including her upcoming 40th class reunion. It was there at her 15th reunion, 25 years ago, that she reconnected with her classmate, Gary Golec. They were married and would have celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary in September. Gary joined her at Serio's, working side by side every day and became part of the Serio's Market family.
She especially enjoyed family gatherings, whether a holiday dinner or a trip to Cape Cod to spend time with her parents, family and friends. She loved the seashore and relaxing on the beach. Chris loved to explore little shops and the treasures they offered. She also enjoyed reading and baking.
She leaves her beloved parents Edward F. and Josephine (Serio) Cavallari and her devoted husband of 18 years, Gary Golec of Easthampton; her step-children Jaimie Ann Golec of Easthampton, Joseph Golec of Westfield, and Jeremy Golec of Worthington; and her three beloved grandchildren, Bryce, Raemon and Ella. She also leaves her brother Edward and his wife Suzanne of Plainville, her many nieces and nephews including Rebecca Cavallari, Jillian Shea, and Christopher, Casey, Alexander, Tyler and Justin Golec. She also leaves her brothers-in-law Jamie Golec and his partner Linda Warburton and Curt Golec and his wife Donna all of Florence.
Chris loved animals and always had a soft spot for a stray. She leaves her cherished companions, her cats Pong and Ruby and her dogs Gracie and Bella.
Calling hours will be Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton. Funeral services will be Friday at 8:45 a.m. from the Czelusniak Funeral Home with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, King Street, Northampton. Chris will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery in Northampton.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Golec Grandchildren Education fund, c/o Florence Savings Bank, 85 Main St., Florence, MA 01062, or the Dakin Animal Shelter, 163 Montague Road, Leverett, MA 01054.
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