Grace Patricia Ferrie Gizzi, 92, of North Haven passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Yale-New Haven Hospital (St. Raphael Campus) surrounded by her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank Gizzi. Grace was born in New Haven on March 16, 1923; daughter of the late George and Ida Cherigino Ferrie. She had worked as a manager in the men’s department of the former Macy’s in New Haven and later worked for Gloria Jean’s Dance Studio of Dance for many years where she felt at home with her extended “dance family.” Grace was an avid NY Yankees and UCONN Women’s basketball fan, and enjoyed watching tennis. Grace was the loving mother of Marilyn (Ken) Zalewski of North Haven and Joan Gizzi of North Haven. Devoted grandmother of Ken (Michael Oliver) Zalewski, Jr., Lauren (Christopher) Strahowski, and Jennifer (Mario) Donini. Grace adored her Great-Grandchildren; Aidan, Delayna, Fallyn and Juliana. Also survived by an extended loving family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Vincent, Fred and George Ferrie, Dorothy Massari, Alice Fragola, Katherine Follo and Mary Vollano. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Grace’s caregivers, Hattie, Alma, Cha and Brigitte for all the excellent care, love and comfort given to Miss Grace, and to the team on the 3rd floor I.C.U. West, of the Yale New Haven Hospital (St. Raphael Campus), especially Dr. Aydin Uzun Pinar, Dr. Jesse Ricciuti and I.C.U. nurse Sandie Amico.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Saturday morning at 11:00. Family and friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave. North Haven at 11:30 am. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum.
grace was our neighbor for many years she was a wonderful lady she will be missed rest in peace grace
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Zalewski and Family,
I was so saddened to read about Mrs. Gizzi. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this extremely difficult time. Mrs. Gizzi will be remembered at school Friday morning.
With deepest condolences,
Nancy, John, Mark, Jason, and his wife Lisa Ferraro
St. Stephen School- Grade 2 Teacher
Gram ~Although I miss you terribly, I know that you are now at home with Pa and our good Lord. Please continue to watch and guide over our family. I love you now and forever with all of my heart.
Jennifer
My maiden name is Lenzi and I grew up on St. John St in New Haven until I was married in 1952 and moved to West Hartford where I continue to live.
The Ferrie and Lenzi families were each large and bonded quickly when the Ferries bought the big house on the corner of St. John and Jefferson. My eldest sister, Margaret (Grace's age , died last December) ; she and I spent many early years at the Ferrie's house. My brother Joe , (killed on Iwo Jima ) and an athlete as were the Ferrie brothers spent a lot of time together with sports.George was my age and we went to the same grammar school, separating at high school.
We also knew the Gizzi family who owned a market in the area.Margaret and I were at Grace and Frank's wedding.
There is not enough room to share all the memories of close knit families and a wonderful neighborhood. You can be certain that when my family, still in New Haven get together we talk about those days and especially the Ferries. I hope through the years Grace may have shared some of those with her daughters and families.
I share your loss with sympathy and love,
Addie Carone
Grace you were loved by so many, that warm friendly smile and hours of stories and laughs while the kids danced away. We are Blessed to have known you and your beautiful family. You will be missed by so many. I know you are with your beloved husband and you will be watching over your family. Fly high Grace you worked hard and loved hard and you earned your Angel wings. Love to you and your family!
Thinking of you in the time of loss and the precious memories of your wonderful mom will be a blessing to us for many years to come. We would like to thank you for sharing your
mom with us. She will truly be missed and we offer our our prayers and condolences to the family.
Hattie, Alma, Cha Cha, & Brigitte
We have known Grace and her late husband Frank for many years, way before we were married. God bless her and her dear family. Our condolences to all of you.
Sorry to hear the passing of your Mom. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Sincerely
Mike & Carol Anastasio
So sorry to hear about Grace, she was a beautiful person and loved everyone. I will always cherish my memories of her at Gloria Jean's and how she loved Elizabeth.
Dear Joan, I was so saddened to hear of Grace passing away. I will always treasure our little visits when she came into the store. She was one of a few favorites of mine. I will miss her . Sincerely, Debbie Zavarella (from Stop & Shop)