Carolyn E. Gagliardi “a force of nature” 98, of Kenosha, passed away on March 21, 2024, at Parkside Manor, a longtime resident 7311-2nd Avenue.
Born on April 11, 1925, in Kenosha, WI; she was the only daughter of the late Michael and Louise “Liz” (Morrone) Stella.
On September 14, 1946, she married the love of her life, Frank Gagliardi. He preceded her in death on October 6, 2020.
She was a member of the Racine Art Museum, Anderson Arts Center, and Connie’s Club. She was a big advocate for women’s rights, the arts and the rights of all people. She was a very accomplished watercolor painter, showing her artwork across the country. She loved spending time with her family and friends, reading, creating art, learning, gardening, and cooking. She was proud to teach her family to cook in “Nana’s Kitchen” teaching us to use our intuition and scenes to create balanced meals. At the end of her life, she enjoyed spending time in Joni’s flower garden.
Carolyn is survived by her son, Paul V. Gagliardi of Kenosha; daughter-in-law, Joni Martin Gagliardi; three grandchildren, Genevieve (Kevin) Gerou, Frank (Dana) Gagliardi, and Paul M. (Cristen) Gagliardi; four great-grandchildren, Vance, Stanley, Maya, and Frankie Juliet; her sisters-in-law, Cheryl Stella of Middleton, WI, Joann Stella of Arizona, and Rachel (Robert) Haining of England; and former daughter-in-law, Kathryn Gagliardi. She is further survived by many treasured nieces and nephews, and special friends, the Bertellis, the Ferwerdas, the Gallos, and the Travantis, as well as all her wonderful friends in Connie’s Club, extra grandchildren Tim Baum, Tom Waite and many more.
In addition to her husband and parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by in-laws, Mary and Pasquale (Charlie) Gagliardi; six brothers, Louis (Rosemary), Martin A., Serafino (Fino), Albert, Alfred “Freddie” (Janice), and Michael Stella; brothers and sisters-in-law, Laura (Bob) Chiappetta, Jerry (Alice) Gagliardi and John (Rita) Gagliardi.
Carolyn’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her wonderful caregivers and friends at Parkside Manor.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Anderson Arts Center in Carolyn’s name would be appreciated by the family and honor the art group she helped start so many years ago.
