Violet L. Gerry
Violet Louise Cecchin Gerry of Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida passed from this world October 26, 2018, at the age of 91. She is survived by three children, Jane Cloutier with whom she resided, Francis R. Gerry and Lisa Larenson; five grandchildren, Christopher Cloutier, Christina Guimond, Ryan Gerry, Ashten Hopkins and Camren Brown; three great-grandchildren Madeline Guimond, Haley Hopkins and Rowna Brown and many nieces and nephews and her beloved rescue dog Gypsy.
Violet was born in Neauchef, France to Attillio and Anna Cecchin. As a young child she was personally affected when she witnessed the hanging of Mussolini and her sister being arrested by the Nazis. She met the love of her life Francis Gerry during World War II, becoming a war bride and relocating to Saco, Maine. She was fluent in Parisienne French, Italian and German, but taught herself to read and write English. In 1954 she became an American citizen. She worked nights in the mills in order to be able to run her hot dog stand at Bay View Beach and Gerry’s Cabins. She was famous for her spaghetti dinners once a week where they would have all the cottage customers bring out their tables and line them up on the lawn, end to end, and serve them dinner.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
In 1999 they moved to Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida, an active adult community. She became known as an ambassador of greeting new people and making sure they were included in events. She was a member of many clubs including the New England Club, Italian Club and Bocchi Ball Club. She was known for her love of dance, the first up and last to sit. She won prizes for her Halloween costumes and golfcart decorating and her flowers.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years in 2007, her brother Romano Cecchin, sister Lena Lo Re and son-in-law James Cloutier. All who knew her will sadly miss her. Private services will be held in Maine during the summer.
Violet was born in Neauchef, France to Attillio and Anna Cecchin. As a young child she was personally affected when she witnessed the hanging of Mussolini and her sister being arrested by the Nazis. She met the love of her life Francis Gerry during World War II, becoming a war bride and relocating to Saco, Maine. She was fluent in Parisienne French, Italian and German, but taught herself to read and write English. In 1954 she became an American citizen. She worked nights in the mills in order to be able to run her hot dog stand at Bay View Beach and Gerry’s Cabins. She was famous for her spaghetti dinners once a week where they would have all the cottage customers bring out their tables and line them up on the lawn, end to end, and serve them dinner.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
In 1999 they moved to Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida, an active adult community. She became known as an ambassador of greeting new people and making sure they were included in events. She was a member of many clubs including the New England Club, Italian Club and Bocchi Ball Club. She was known for her love of dance, the first up and last to sit. She won prizes for her Halloween costumes and golfcart decorating and her flowers.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years in 2007, her brother Romano Cecchin, sister Lena Lo Re and son-in-law James Cloutier. All who knew her will sadly miss her. Private services will be held in Maine during the summer.