Concetta N. Gregoire

Concetta "Tina" Natalie (Cannizzaro) Gregoire, 91, of South Burlington, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, following a short illness. Born in Burlington, Vermont, on December 25, 1933 - a Christmas gift to her parents, John and Mary (Palermo) Cannizzaro - Tina's life was defined by courage, creativity, and boundless love.
A graduate of Cathedral High School, Class of 1952, Tina began her professional journey at New England Telephone, where she rose through the ranks to become a manager in the accounting department - a remarkable achievement for a young woman in the early 1950s. Independent and fearless, Tina refused to be limited by expectations. When she was denied time off to explore her Italian heritage, she did the unthinkable: she resigned.
In her early twenties, at a time when few women traveled alone, she set off for Italy - buying a Fiat and driving across the country to meet relatives and immerse herself in the language, culture, and traditions of her family's homeland. That journey left a deep mark on her heart and ignited a lifelong love for design and craftsmanship.
Upon returning to Vermont, Tina founded Tina's Fabrics in 1961. What began as a small fabric shop soon grew into Tina's Home Design, a business that continues to flourish more than six decades later. Her impeccable taste, work ethic, and authenticity built not only a successful enterprise but also a local institution.
In 1962, Tina met and married the love of her life, Maurice Gregoire, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington. Together they built not only a beautiful life but a shared vision. Maurice was her steadfast partner in every sense - helping grow Tina's Fabrics into Tina's Home Design, offering quiet strength behind the scenes while she brought her creative eye to the forefront. They made their home in Burlington, where they raised their four children, and when school was out, the family packed up and spent their summers at camp in North Hero - a place filled with laughter, long days on the lake, and the easy joy of being together. Their 62-year marriage was a true partnership - full of laughter, respect, and devotion - a balance of practicality and passion that reflected in both their work and their home.
As a proud first-generation Italian American, Tina's home was always filled with the warmth of family and the aroma of her kitchen. Christmas - her birthday - was a time of open doors and full tables, where everyone was welcome. Her home reflected not only her heritage but her heart - a place where anyone who entered felt cared for and welcomed. Tina's generosity knew no bounds, though she gave quietly, preferring to lift others up without calling attention to herself. Later in life, she found peace and joy wintering in Scottsdale, Arizona, while always keeping Vermont close to her heart.
Tina is survived by her children, Christopher (Susan), Michelle (Tary Kirk), Damon (Sally), and Paula (Jim); ten grandchildren, William, James, Harrison, and Diana; Justin and Micaela; Emily, Nick and Anna; and Owen; great-grandchild, Mason; brothers; John and Joe; and sister-in-law, Dorothy.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Maurice Gregoire (April 2025); her parents; sister, Frances; brothers, Rosario, Corrado, and Angelo; and by Maurice's parents, his brothers, and sister.
A Mass in celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church in South Burlington, with interment to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tina's memory to the McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446.
Tina's life was a testament to strength, independence, and love - the story of a woman ahead of her time who built her world on her own terms and inspired everyone who knew her to live with the same grace and conviction.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.