Irma Alberghini McGuff

1926 - 2024

Irma Alberghini McGuff
Irma Alberghini McGuff, 98, of Somers, Connecticut, passed away on November 3, 2024. Irma was born on June 26, 1926, to Louis and Mary (Govoni) Alberghini in Somerville, Massachusetts. Her birth date, 6/26/26, became part of her very identity, as well as her lifelong "lucky numbers."
The arc of Irma's amazing life-almost 100 years-touched and inspired countless family members, loving friends, and fellow workers. Her creativity and curiosity drove her interests in art, travel, and entertaining, where she showcased remarkable culinary skills with her favorite Northern Italian recipes.
Irma loved being a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, wife, mother, aunt, great-aunt, adopted aunt, godmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to the many, many people she knew. She re-invented herself over the decades, adding new monikers defined by her passions: student pilot, artist, seamstress, master chef, fashion designer, environmentalist, travel agent, global adventurer, lover of orchids - and "muse" to everyone that has known her. Irma was also the biggest fan of musicians Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, the artist Andrew Wyeth, and comedian David Letterman.
Irma grew up in Burlington, MA, alongside her two sisters and brother. She gained the nickname 'Swish' while playing varsity basketball. After high school graduation, she earned a degree from Vesper George School of Art in Boston. Irma worked as a commercial artist before marrying Thomas J. McGuff Jr. on April 11, 1953. Together, they started a family in Enfield, CT, and raised four children.
Irma was predeceased by her loving husband, Thomas; her parents, Louis and Mary Alberghini; her sisters, Alma and Laura; and her brother, Louis.
She is survived by her four children including her son, Thomas J. McGough; her daughter and son-in-law, Laura M. and John Scott; her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen J. and Cheryl McGuff; and her daughter and son-in-law, Maria M. and Paul J. Selian.
Irma is also survived by ten proud grandchildren including, her granddaughter Shannon Shupak (Dr. Raymond), her granddaughter Logan Hampden (Madison), her granddaughter Kelsey McGuff (Stephen Perry), her grandson Brendan McGuff (Amanda Agnelli), her grandson Ned Selian (Mandy Wencus), her granddaughter Kelly Scott (Rick James), her granddaughter Anna Selian, her granddaughter Bailey Scott, her granddaughter Victoria Selian (Alex Thompson), and her grandson Andrew Selian.
Irma was also blessed with six adoring great-grandchildren including, Lila and Luca Shupak, Freya and Corbin McGuff-Perry, and Charlie and Louisa Hampden - along with countless cousins, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and loving friends of every age.
Irma's family will receive friends on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9-10 a.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Saint Ann, 289 Arch Road, Avon. Entombment will follow in Sycamore Mausoleum, Simsbury Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Thomas and Irma McGuff Memorial Scholarship, Avon Dollars for Scholars (PO Box 706, Avon, CT 06001), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For directions or condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.