CHELMSFORD – Geraldine J. “Gigi” (Vitale) DiPaolo, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 14 at Chelmsford Crossing Assisted Living, Chelmsford with her family by her side.
Born in Beverly, she was the daughter of the late Rose (DePalma) and Joseph Vitale. Raised and educated in Beverly, she was a graduate of Beverly High School, Class of 1951. She met the love of her life, William “Billy” DiPaolo as a young girl and they married September 30, 1951. Billy passed away 6 years ago in May of 2018, married for 67 years.
Gigi was employed at the former Bomac of Beverly, as a school crossing guard and for her uncle, former Mayor of Beverly James A. Vitale. She also worked at her families sand and gravel company, Miles River Sand and Gravel in Ipswich.
In 1971 with her husband, purchased Hamilton Gardens Flowers and Greenhouse in Hamilton, a successful business they operated with their children for over 25 years. Gigi also worked at the Wenham Exchange and Tea House in Wenham.
She was a very creative woman and honed her creativity at the flower shop. Known for her beautiful custom Christmas wreaths and floral expertise, she was an integral part of the success of the flower shop. An excellent cook and homemaker she will be remembered for her beautiful decorating skills. Gigi was athletic and walked 3 to 4 miles every day for many years. She also enjoyed swimming, dancing and played in the Beverly Volleyball League in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She volunteered on many various committees over the years and took many classes such as painting and piano to name a few. Gigi loved taking trips all over the United States, Canada and Bermuda, with Charleston, SC and San Diego, CA her favorites.
For many years Gigi and Billy spent much time at their home in Falmouth on Cape Cod. They lovingly brought the house and gardens to life and welcomed family and friends there for over 20 years. Family was everything to her and she was a devoted mother and great grandmother. She will be remembered by her family for her steadfast support and her feisty spirit.
Gigi leaves her children, Joseph T. DiPaolo and his wife Tina (Kaplan) of Beverly; Deborah J. Weaver (DiPaolo) and her husband Kevin of St. Mary’s, GA; three beloved grandchildren, Christina E. Cannistraro and her husband Michael of St. Mary’s, GA; Stephanie R. Leclair and her husband Dustin of Chelmsford and Kasey H. DiPaolo and his fiancé` Kate Jesson of Woburn; four great grandchildren, Blake, Ava, Christian and Vivian; brother, Paul A. Vitale and his wife Jean of Port St. Lucie, FL; brother in law Thomas DiPaolo and his wife Carol of Peabody; sister in law Sandra Vitale of Hamilton; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many extended family.
The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Chelmsford Crossing for the love, compassion and excellent care that they gave to GiGi and thank you to all the Beacon Hospice staff for their outstanding care.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be private at her request. Arrangements are being handled by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For condolences, please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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