Sophie Giardino

Giardino, Sophie, 74, died peacefully at home after her 17 year courageous battle with breast cancer on March 20, 2013. Sophie's faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother gave her comfort and strength during this journey. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Tony, children, Elena, Joey, Jimmy (Carol), Drew (Christine), and Anthony, daughter- in-law, Terry, and grandchildren, Jacob, Sidney, Julia, Ava, Mara, Sarah; her brother, Dominick Perrini and brother- in-law, Dr. Vincent (Elaine) Giardino, nieces, nephew, cousins, dear friends, classmates and her Breast Cancer Support Group. Sophie was born in New York City to her proud, late parents, Giuseppe and Rita Perrini. After attending Catholic grammar school and high school in Manhattan, she graduated from Bellevue School of Nursing in 1959. She completed her B.S in Nursing from Hunter College, M.A. in Nursing, and PH.D. (ABD) in Nursing from New York University. She held a number of positions at Bellevue Hospital including Staff Nurse, Supervisor, Assistant Director for Maternal/Child Health, Assistant Director for Emergency Services and Associate Executive Director of Nursing. She was Assistant Clinical Instructor, Pediatrics at Bellevue School of Nursing and also Instructor in the Evening RN program at Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing. Sophie was also the weekend Administrator at Lenox Hill Hospital while taking PH.D. coursework. She left Bellevue to take the position of Vice President of Nursing at Colombia Presbyterian Hospital and became Executive Vice President two years later. Overall Sophie's nursing experience included Emergency Services, Critical Care, Pediatrics, Maternal Child Health, Geriatrics and Administration. Sophie was a volunteer at the Holy Cross Cancer Center and very active in the Breast Cancer Support Group and American Cancer Society programs. She was honored with Holy Cross Hospital Survivor of the Year Award in 2005. Sophie had many talents, but will be remembered most for her indomitable spirit facing her battle with cancer over the last 17 years; she did it with grace and courage, and was an inspiration to all who knew her. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life visitation, Sunday, March 24th, from 5 to 9pm, at Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center*, 4061 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL., with a Funeral Mass celebration, Monday, March 25th, at 11am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2511 N. Ocean Blvd (A1A), Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation 3900 Galt Ocean Drive, 1401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Visit www.kraeerfairchild.com to express sympathies, condolences, and share memories.