Marianne D’Eugenio, 68, of East Haven, passed away peacefully on August 1, after a courageous battle with breast cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born in New Haven on August 6, 1948 and was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Perrotti D’Eugenio of Guilford. She is survived by sisters Eileen, Karen, Joanna, and Rosalind D’Eugenio, Francine Gumkowski (Michael) and by brothers Michael and Frank D’Eugenio. She also leaves her nephews Francesco D’Eugenio and Simon Gumkowski and niece Nina Marianne Gumkowski. Marianne was the oldest of eight siblings and the epitome of a “big” sister – she was loving, protective and a leader. She was a strong, independent woman before it was fashionable and was a good role model for her younger sisters, and her niece and friends. Her laugh and smile were contagious. She was a loyal friend and counted her cousins among her closest friends. She had a long career in accounting and finance including at Blue Cross Blue Shield and at St Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. At age 50, she decided to “work at what you love to do” and transformed her hobby of making intricate and beautiful quilts into a second career opening Quadrille Quilting in North Haven. The shop was not just for learning how to make quilts or to buy unique fabrics, but was a second ‘home” to Marianne and Eileen who hosted weekly lunches, and made life-long new friends. She graduated from Guilford High School, Hartford Institute of Accounting and University of New Haven. She served on boards of several non-profit associations; including the Girls Inc., Healthcare Financial Management Association and United Way. And, more recently enjoyed being a volunteer for Agency on Aging in New Haven. Her defiance against cancer was intense and kept her with us for many more years than thought possible. She fought cancer with the words of her favorite song: “That’s the time you must keep on trying; Smile, What’s the use of crying, you’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just Smile.” Her family would like to thank Dr. Michael DiGiovanna, Michelle Corso and the staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital.
Calling hours will be Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, words of remembrance will be spoken at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be private.
Sorry for your loss RIP
So sorry for the loss of your sister Marianne, she was a wonderful person, we will miss her here at Tivoli Gardens.
Please except my condolences on the passing of Marianne. Marianne often helped her dad during busy times and holidays and working with her was a pleasure. My memories of her were all positive, especially her infectious laugh and smile. She had a special way about her that placed those around her at ease. Even though I have a wonderful family, the D’Eugenio’s always made me feel like I was part of their family as well. I cherished those feelings and still do. When I went to your uncle Sal’s wake, Michael and David said seeing me was like finding a long lost brother. I was devastated when I found out Michael was ill and passed not long after. And I continue to speak and meet with Michael in Windermere, Fla. Prior obligations preclude me from attending the services for Marianne. But without a doubt, there is and always will be a special place in my heart for the D’Eugenio family. May God bless.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my beloved friend Marianne. I met her at her shop and enjoyed her self taught talent in quilting, always positive and happy. The bond Marianne made with me and the quilting girls will go on forever. I would not have been such a good quilter if I had not been for Marianne and the quilting girls.
I am not able to attend the wake this evening, I am sitting with my young grandson.
But, my love and prayers are with the family always.
Susan
I am heartbroken to hear of Marianne’s passing. She was the best. Smart, Talented, Fun, Adventurous, Helpful. She taught me so much in work. And I can go on and on.
We spend many times going out to eat and just talking and laughing. Some of my best memories were working and hanging out with her.
It was both a privilege and a joy to be her friend. She was one of a kind and I loved her.
My heart goes out to all her family for their lost.
we are saddened to hear of your sister’s passing. we know that at times like this it is good to be close to our heavenly father because : He is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others. It is through this comfort that will help you to endure all things. Our hope for you is unwavering knowing that as we share in sufferings, we shall also share in God’s comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Marianne was one of the brightest stars in my universe. Her heart was and IS one of the biggest most incredible I have ever met. My memories of Marianne, Marie Galante, Mary Jane Ives and me are priceless. Marianne’s never going away. Not as long as I live. Love ya kid.
Gary
Thinking of all of you with love as you mourn the sad loss of your dear sister. I know you have many memories of her laughter and kind-hearted generosity, as well as of the good times you shared. She was a wonderful woman.
We were saddened to read of Marianne’s passing. We as well as our daughter,
Anita Torre Fraser were happy to have known her. Every quilt and every stitch will remind me of Marianne’s love of quilting.