Jean Giardini, 84, active at St. Mary’s

Jean Alberta Johnson Giardini of Ridgefield, a longtime Ridgefielder who had been active in St. Mary’s Church, died on Sunday afternoon, March 6, 2005, after a brief illness. She was 84 years old and the widow of Dino A. Giardini, her husband of 45 years.

Mrs. Giardini was born in Danbury, the oldest daughter of Albert and Gladys Hancock Johnson. She grew up in Danbury, and attended St. Joseph’s School and Danbury High School. She studied hairdressing, a discipline at which, her family reported, she excelled.

After her marriage to Dino Giardini, who operated the Limestone Service Station on Danbury Road, Mrs. Giardini moved to Ridgefield, which she called home the rest of her life.

“She excelled at all types of handiwork,” her family said. “Many of her paintings hang in the family home. The first quilt she ever made won viewers’ choice for the unusual design, use of color and its meticulous stitching at a Nutmeg Quilt Show in 1981. Her best-known creativity came in clothes she designed and sewed. Her talent will be missed.”

An active member of St. Mary’s Parish, she often volunteered there, most recently at the jewelry display at St. Mary’s Fair.

“What is especially notable about Jean’s life is the strength and length of the friendships she formed here,” her family said. Her friendships with her sister-in-law Del Pierandri and friends Ada Leary, Helen Pierandri, Monda Vozzo and many others spanned 60 years.

“Jean’s simplicity of being, her creativity, her caring and her devotion to friends and family will be missed.”

Mrs. Giardini is survived by her son, James Giardini and his wife, Barbara ,and their son, Nicholas, of Brookfield; a daughter, Nancy Giardini Riedy and her husband, Tom, of Ridgefield; and a younger sister, Janet Edwards, her three children and three grandchildren, who live near Chicago.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:15 in St. Mary’s Church.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield on Friday morning from 9 to 10.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department, 6 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.