Andreesa Lenay Rankins-Gidi

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Andreesa Rankins-Gidi Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by McClam Funeral Home - New Haven on Nov. 28, 2025.

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Andreesa Lenay Rankins Gidi, a vibrant woman whose joy, faith, and personality filled every room she entered, transitioned into the presence of the Lord on November 20, 2025. Born on October 12, 1977, in Middletown, Connecticut, Andreesa-affectionately known as Dreesa-built a life full of love, laughter, faith and purpose.

To know Dreesa was to experience sunlight. Whether she was sharing encouragement through her "Faithful Fridays," dancing her way through a room, coloring her hair, or showing up in one of her perfectly matched outfits, she radiated life.

Her faith was the center of her being. She worshiped passionately at Greater Love Christian Church under Pastor Robin Ross, as well as Grace and Mercy Church under Rev. Donald Watson. Dreesa also poured herself into serving others as the pastor and overseer of the Soup Kitchen Ministry, as well as devoted her time through the Streetfire Ministries.

Andreesa is survived by her husband, Sena Gidi, and her cherished children: Darius Rankins and his wife, Alize, Malerie Graig, Michelle Gidi, and Liya Gidi. She also leaves behind her parents, Michael and Cheryl Rankins; her siblings, Chevar Rankins (Erin) and Michaela Boone (Earl); her grandmother, Angela Muckle, and godson Kaleb André Lutton. Andreesa now rests alongside her sister, Malerie Rankins, grandparents, Jessie and Etta Rankins, and great-grandparents, John and Faye James.

She also had very special relationships with: William and Renee Hickman, Doris Hickman, Ebony Belcher, Tamiara Lockhart, Karla Middleton, Sanji Lawrence, Katara Williams, Middirree Gibbs, and Milrose Mercado, and countless others. Dreesa never met a stranger.

Dreesa lived fully-joyfully boldly, and unapologetically herself. Her personality was loud in all the best ways, and her absence is felt just as loudly. We release her into God's loving arms with gratitude for the time we shared and comfort in knowing she is now whole, free, and dancing in glory.

She was a light-and lights like hers don't go out. They live forever

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Carol L Rios

Yesterday

Andreesa, I Love You so much. We grew up together on Erin Street in Middletown. You celebrated so many birthdays I had with water balloon fights, different games. Just being a big part of our l lives as kids......then through growing up we lost touch with each other. But then that one day on Main Street 9 years ago at Streetfire. You came up to me and asked do I look familiar to you? I said no... Should you,? Then you told me who you were.. I screamed and dropped whatever it was I had in my hand and gave you a big hug....then going to the same church, growing our friendship with, and through GOD . Our churches and Pastors.....I am going to miss the times we had together, not expecting this. But one thing that I / we will do to keep your memory and testimony alive, is through the cancer ministry that we are getting started. Your name will be a. Inspiration to a lot of people....I love you. So long for now, until we meet again in heaven.