Obituaries

Viarda R. Totino

June 27, 2018

Burial Date July 2, 2018

After a brief and heroic battle with diverticulitis, Viarda R. Totino entered eternal life on June 27th in her home surrounded by her loving family. Viarda was the beloved wife of Rocco Totino who predeceased her.

Viarda was a long time resident of the New London-Waterford area.

Born in Fano, Italy on September 7^th to the late Aldo and Alba (Prencesvalle) Tonucci. In Italy, she worked at Casa Delle Calze boutique where she was top salesperson for many years. Viarda came to the United States on July 4, 1960 where she met Rocco soon after and they were married on December 2, 1961 at St, Mary’s Church in New London, CT. She is survived by her daughters – Antonella (Elle) of New York, NY, Daniela (Dani) Gorman of Preston, Nadia Totino McGourthy of Worcester, MA, her sons-in-law John Gorman and Timothy McGourthy and her grandchildren that were her life – Zoe Demetria Viarda Hartman, John Totino (JT) Gorman, Hansel (Jack) Hartman Jr, Conor Gorman and Sofie Rose McGourthy. She is also survived by her sister Bruna Giacchetti and nephew Maurizio Giacchetti in Camerano, Italy.

Viarda was a remarkable mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest loves. -She never missed a school play, a class trip, sporting event or a recital. She was passionate about cooking for her family and friends and sharing her techniques with them and with students of her cooking classes. She was a very skilled seamstress having been trained in sewing and embroidery by the nuns of Saint Rita’s Convent in her hometown of Fano, Italy. She sewed from her home for over 30 years. She was a longstanding member of Saint Joseph Church and volunteered countless hours at Saint Joseph School. And, for many years, she was involved with the annual Italian Festival in New London.

The family expresses it’s deepest gratitude to Viarda’s cousin and closest confidante, Jeanette Theiler, who never left her side, and to Rose from Care at Home, who cared for and supported Viarda and her family in her final days.

Her family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. The funeral will assemble at 9 a.m. Monday at the funeral home and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church. Entombment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Donations can be made in her memory to Saint Bernard School, Attn: Advancement Office, 1593 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382