Carmela "Connie" Gioia

Norwich - Carmela "Connie" Gioia, devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and longtime member of St. Patrick's Cathedral, passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015.

She was born on April 8, 1930, the third of five daughters to Italian immigrants Giovanni and Antoinette Battaglia in Brooklyn N.Y.

Connie, as she was known by those who knew her best, possessed a faith, heart and strength that belied her petite frame. She was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Jerome, whom she married on July 8, 1951. He lives to cherish the memories of her.

The family will hold dear the memories of her spirit, her laughter and her love. She expressed her love for family and friends though her unmatched talent for cooking and baking. Especially memorable were the trays of cookies she baked during holidays.

Her sphere of influence went well beyond her family. When she was able, she volunteered countless hours to her community and her local parish of St. Patrick's, visiting shut ins, cleaning the altar and sewing baptismal garments.

She leaves behind the 3 children from her 64 year union with Jerome, Linda of Newington, Joseph of Ledyard and John of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; two daughters-in-law, Candis of Ledyard and Beth of Gold Canyon, Ariz; three grand children, Jeremy, Matthew and Jennifer; and five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Adrienne, Dominic, Landon and Caden. Also surviving her are four sisters, Ida Gangi and her husband, Russ, of Melville, Long Island, Lucy Quinn and her husband, Tom, of Monroe, N.J., Margie Voccola of Tampa, Fla., and Mary Benciena of Newport News, Va.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

The family would like to thank the staffs at the Backus Hospital, Center for Hospice Care of Southeastern Connecticut and the Norwichtown Rehab and Care Center for their compassionate care during her final weeks.