Viola M (Merolli) Gifford

Viola Gifford, a woman whose warmth and generosity defined her life, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025 at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam CT. surrounded by love and friendship, after a long and joyful life.

Born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, Viola was the cherished daughter of an Italian immigrant, Christina Cimini, who arrived in America in 1911 with her family and settled in Providence, Rhode Island. Her mother’s journey laid the foundation for a life steeped in family, tradition, and resilience. Christina married Luigi Merolli in 1925 and moved to Uxbridge MA where Viola was born at home and grew up with her five siblings: Louis Merolli, Albert Merolli, Marietta Merolli (Carles), Francesca Merolli (Gniadek) and Barbara Merolli (Anderson).

Viola began working at the Uxbridge Worcester Textile Mill at a young age, where the rhythm of the looms was more than the sound of work—it was the background music to the beginning of her love story. It was there, among the whirring machines and threads of fabric, that she met a dashing young executive named John Gifford and found love under the looms. They were married on August 31, 1957, at Notre Dame Church in Southbridge, MA. Upon marriage to John, Viola became mother to three children, John Jr., Ann and Peter.

Together, Viola and John built a beautiful life, and in 1959, their daughter Christine was born, bringing new joy and purpose to their lives.

In 1964, the Gifford family moved to East Woodstock, CT, where Viola would make her beloved home for more than five decades in the Gifford House, built in 1795 and home to six generations of Giffords. Her house was a haven for friends and family alike—a place where the door was always open, the table always full, and laughter always echoing.

After her youngest daughter began 5th grade, Viola returned to work at Bates Shoe in North Grosvenordale CT. as an Inspector and then Stevens Linen in Webster MA where she made many life long friends, retiring in 2003.

Viola had a passion for cooking, entertaining and decorating, and there was never a shortage of food or warmth in her kitchen. She enjoyed sewing & designing clothes and was known among her friends as a Fashionista for her flair and love of fashion. For many years, Viola and John spent their summers with friends at Watch Hill, RI.

She was immensely proud of her Italian heritage and carried it with grace and pride throughout her life. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went, and her kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

In 2017, Viola embarked on a new adventure, moving to The Carriage House in North Grosvenordale, CT. where she continued to live a vibrant and active life among a wonderful community of friends. Her spirit remained bright, and her legacy of love, hospitality, and joy endured until her final days.

Viola Gifford will be remembered as a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a gracious hostess.

Her life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and tradition, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Viola is survived by a son, John P. “Jack” Gifford Jr. and his wife Patricia of Woodstock CT.; two daughters, Ann A. Korswig and her husband Karl of East Woodstock CT. and Christine Y. Gifford of Putnam CT.; two sisters, Barbara Anderson of Smithfield, RI and Frances Gniadek of Venice, FL; six grandchildren, Valerie Redpath, Seth Logee, Noah Donovan and his wife Robyn Van Hise, Shea Donovan and her fiancé Alex McMahan, Matthew Gifford and his wife Jessica and Emily Gifford Shaw and her partner, Mark Kreamer; nine great- grandchildren; Jacoby Jutras, Harrison Yeary, Ronan Gifford, Ethan Gifford, Daisy Donovan, Briar Donovan, Esther Redpath, Parker Redpath and Maizie Hummel- Logee.

In addition to husband, John P. Gifford Sr., Viola was predeceased by a son, Peter R. Gifford; by her brothers, Louis Merolli and Albert Merolli; by a sister, Marietta Carles and by a granddaughter, Carolyn Brennan.

There will be a graveside service at The East Woodstock Cemetery, Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm followed by a Celebration of her Life at the East Woodstock Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, E. Woodstock CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Viola by sharing a meal with loved ones - and always keeping a seat open at your table.

May her memory be a blessing.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home & Cremation, 48 School St., Webster, MA 01570. For memorial guestbook please visit www.shaw-majercik.com.

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