PORTLAND — Giovanna M. “Jennie” DiFiore, 85, died Feb. 20 at St. Joseph’s Manor.
She was born in Portland on July 17, 1923, the daughter of Gregorio and Lucia (Peccaro) Grassi.
In 1941, she graduated from Portland High School.
She met her husband Thomas while working for Dirigo Beverage. Her most recent employment was for the Maine Area on Aging.
As an active member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, she spent countless hours volunteering.
Lively and entertaining, she loved to sing and dance, especially while she was cooking at home.
She was known by all as a devoted mother, grandmother and sister.
She was predeceased by her husband Thomas DiFiore in 1992, and brothers Louis, Augustine and Albert Grassi.
Surviving her are daughters, Anne and her husband Gerald Axelsen of Standish, and Lisa and husband Carlo Paratore of Portland; sister Anna and husband Jack Burnham; grandchildren, Brooke, Stefano, Baillie and Adriano; many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Feb. 26 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland. A reception will follow at the Thomas Room, 729 Broadway, South Portland.
Memorial donations may be made to the Private Suite at St. Joseph’s Manor, 1133 Washington Ave., Portland, ME 04103 or to an organization of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland.
DiFiore