Sabina Alonzo

Sabina Alonzo, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Greenwich, CT on November 22, 2020. Her beloved husband, Martin, of 64 years predeceased her in 2016. They built a wonderful life together. Survived by their children, Martin (Judy), Marlene and Sabrina and three wonderful grandchildren, Martin Kyle, Jillian Brooke and Devin Charles. She is also survived by her brother John (Ann).

As a young girl, Sabina loved to ice skate and roller blade, but her dream came true when she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Alonzo, in 1952. She graduated from New Utrecht High School, Brooklyn, NY and Drakes Business School. She worked at Electrolux Corporation in New York City for five years.

She had an unwavering faith in God and was a member first of Saint Michael’s Church in Greenwich where she was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Saint Michael’s Guild. Later in life, she became a member and supporter of Saint Mary’s Church. Sabina was an active member of the Women’s Club of Greenwich where she made lasting friends and played bridge. She volunteered in the Family Room at Greenwich Hospital for 35 years (6,512 hours) helping family members while they visited loved ones in the OR. She was also an active participant at the YWCA enjoying her Boutelle exercise classes. Sabina enjoyed a long membership with Westchester CC where she was active in the 9-holers and theater group. She will be remembered for all her different babushka hats that she wore during theater season.

In her later years, Sabina watched her beloved Mets on TV and was caught many times shouting at the TV saying “sand lot” baseball! She also enjoyed watching the game shows - Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune with her daughters. It sometimes became competitive.

Her positive outlook and inner strength lifted her through challenging times. Her gift was making those around her feel welcomed and at eased. She relished time spent with family and friends. We will miss her wit, one-line zingers, kindness and her smile.

Calling hours are Thursday, December 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 4, at St. Mary Parish, 178 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Yale Stem Cell Center and the Yale Eye Center. Please send memorial gifts to: Sharon McManus Yale School of Medicine Development Office, PO Box 7611, New Haven, CT 06519-0611. Please make a notation that the gift is: In Memory of Sabina Alonzo.

Mom's Eulogy December 4, 2020

My name is Sabrina, mom’s youngest daughter.

Mom loved her family and adored her husband, Martin. They knew each other from elementary school. At first, it was a little tricky with the usual teenage angst – breaking up, making up, breaking up again, calling each other names. Essentially, they alternated between affection and insult, for example Mom calling Dad a jerk and Dad calling Mom a little half tot!

Great Grandma and Grandpa Urcioli had a few summer homes in upstate NY - Highland Mills and in Erskin Lake where Dad, as a teenager, was always invited. They all believed Dad was a good catch for Mom. Finally, Mom saw the light.

Sabina and Martin built a wonderful life together. She was steadfast in her support of Dad’s career. “For all your thoughtfulness and years of understanding, support and sacrifice. Thank you, Marty. You made it possible, sweetheart”.

Due to Dad’s work, they traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Dad never worried about Mom. She always made herself comfortable in all of the European and Asian cities. He went to work and mom went sightseeing, shopping and/or to church. She only had to be back by 6PM for evening business engagements. Sometimes, Dad had to remind her to take her passport. He didn’t want to receive a SOS!

Mom always found a way to comfort her children Martin, Marlene and I, inspire us, soothe us, skinned knee or not. It didn’t matter to mom which child was hurting. She was there. Yes, mom was all this and even more. She was confidante, counselor, confessor, chief taxi driver, Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus all rolled into one.

Mom loved her children and her daughter in law Judy which she called her 3rd daughter; but she adored her 3 little gems – Martin Kyle, Jillian and Devin. Grandma gave them lots of kisses, goodies and took them on adventures. Grandma was golden.

Mom was an unsung hero of strength and comfort. She had a deep faith in God and it was this inner strength that lifted her through challenging times. She always believed that God will answer her prayers. You may have to wait. My sister, Marlene asked Mom to pray for her because God isn’t answering her prayers. Mom’s response was - God does say no and pray harder.

She didn’t need to be the center of attention. Mom was always approachable and friendly. She was easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being at ease, adept at conversation and always kind in her interactions with others. She was very accepting of others and shared those values with her children.

Favorite vacations included safaris to Kenya and Botswana, planning the year 2000 family trip to Salzburg, Austria, going to Israel with me, trips to Santiago de Compostela and the Albarino wine country of Galicia, Spain and Prague with Marlene. In Prague, Mom caught up with her granddaughter Jillian and they had dinner at Zvonice, in the original Gothic bell tower from 1518. And of course, the yearly trips to Ischia with Dad.

Mom’s story was one of family, travel, devotion and integrity all with great enthusiasm and style. She had a knack for being witty, and was famous for her one-line zingers. No one was spared.

That was Mom. She was an incredible wife, mother and grandmother. TOO-DA-LOO! Mom’s trademark southern goodbye.