Anita Ialongo, 92, 64-year Ridgefielder

Anita Principi Ialongo of Ridgefield, a homemaker, companion, and award-winning needleworker, died on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005 at Danbury Hospital. She was 92 years old and the widow of Francesco “Frank” Ialongo.

Mrs. Ialongo was born in Oneonta, N.Y., on Nov. 30, 1912, to parents who were visiting the United States from their hometown of Orchiao, Di Pesaro, Italy. She returned with her parents to Italy and attended schools there and lived in Orchiao until the age of 18, when she returned to the United States, first settling in Norwalk.

In 1940, Mrs. Ialongo moved to Ridgefield and had lived here ever since. In early years, she worked for the former Danbury Shirt Factory. For 33 years, she was a companion and housekeeper for the late Barbara Lowe Fallass of Cross River, N.Y.

When she was in a convent school in Italy, Mrs. Ialongo learned needlepoint, an art she practiced throughout her life. Her work won blue ribbons, especially at the Danbury State Fair, where they were exhibited under the Big Top.

She had been a member of the O.W.L.S., enjoying many of their trips, and of St. Mary’s Church.

Mrs. Ialongo is survived by a son, Robert L. Marinelli and his wife, Dorothy, of Ridgefield; three granddaughters, Lisa Mollica of Gilbert, Ariz., Lesli McDevitt of New Milford, and Mary Elizabeth Marinelli of Ridgefield; a grandson, Timothy R. Marinelli of Ridgefield; and four great-grandsons.

Her husband, a well-known tailor, died in 1979.

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

Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 90 East Ridge, or to the Ridgefield Fire Department Ambulance Fund, 6 Catoonah Street, both Ridgefield, CT 06877.

The Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.