Obituary of Virginia Giavara

Virginia "Gina" Tanacea Giavara was called home to be with the Lord, August 2, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Sutiri "Sam" Giavara and her four children; Kenneth and his wife Lindsay of San Diego, CA, Jason of San Diego, CA, Neil of New York, NY and Stephanie Giavara Foley and her husband Ryan of Stratford, CT. She is survived by two sisters; Loretta Bici and her husband George of Garden City, NY and Judith Kavulich and her husband Jack of Bentonville, AR and a sister in law Loretta Tanacea of San Francisco, CA. Gina, affectionately known as "Maia", is also survived by her three grandchildren; Haley Giavara and Gia and Jake Foley. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Gina was born and raised in North Grosvenor Dale, CT and was the daughter of the late Vasile and Doxia (Vanghel) Tanacea. She was predeceased by her brothers Spiro, Vanghel, and Thomas and her sisters Hrisafia and Sylvia. Gina graduated from Tourtelotte Memorial High School. She was the office manager at the Bates Shoe Corporation and later became the owner of The Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique in Westport, CT. She loved to garden and was a member of the Fairfield County Garden Club. The joy of her life was spending time with her grandchildren. One of her greatest passions was mentoring newly arrived immigrants and teaching the English language at the Sterling House in Stratford, CT. She was passionate about cooking and baking, always known as the consummate hostess. She was a devoted member of the St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church in Easton, CT. On October 30, 2016, she was honored for many years of service to St. Dimitrie, including; her leadership roles as Co-Chairperson of the Mac-Aroy Youth Group, supporter and benefactor of the Ladies Auxiliary, valued member of the Consecration Committee and the force responsible for the beautification of the church and hall interior. Gina's family wishes to thank Dr. Pamela Hoffman and the Hospice Staff at Visiting Nursing Services (VNS) of Connecticut and in particular her personal caregiver Karolina. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 5 at 9:00 am at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church at 504 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT with interment services at West Thompson Cemetery in Thompson, CT at 1 pm. Friends and family may call at the church on Friday, August 4 from 4-8pm. A Trisagion service with Father George Coca will take place on Friday evening at 6pm at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Dimitrie Endowment Fund. Arrangements are in the care of the Lesko and Polke Funeral Home. To sign an online register or to get travel directions, please visitwww.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com MAY HER BLESSED MEMORY BE ETERNAL!