Gigi Ranno passed away peacefully on December 17, 2018, surrounded by those she loved. She is survived by Karen Nichols, her partner of 28 years, and her sisters, Louise Thompson of Orlando and Nancy Carlston of San Francisco.
Gigi was an athlete, philanthropist, CCD teacher, and world traveler, but what she was most of all was the essence of joy. Her smile was legendary and her love of life and people was contagious. At work, at church, and in the neighborhood, Gigi was known for her irrepressible good cheer and her thoughtfulness.
Gigi believed that whatever one’s abilities, they ought to be able to participate in all that life offered. She helped those who lived with disabilities to ski, skate, bike, kayak, and fully enjoy the public parks and lands through her work at the Universal Access Program of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Gigi received a Lifetime Helmsman Award for her leadership role in establishing the Universal Access sailing program on the Charles. She was featured in The Boston Globe’s City & Region section on July 13, 2007, shown sailing with the grin we all know.
For many years, Gigi was a top fundraiser and participant in the MS walk. In addition to a number of charity races, she completed the Vermont City and Marine Corps marathons.
Gigi liked to be silly, enjoyed Disney and comedies, winning at cards, Qwirkle and every other game she played. Once an accomplished athlete, Gigi never lost her competitive edge. Words With Friends kept her connected and her competitors on their toes.
Perhaps Gigi’s defining quality is that she managed to see the best in everyone. Her absence leaves a hole in a great many hearts.
Gigi earned a BA in Sociology from Boston College in 1986 and worked as VP and Managing Editor at Bob Adams Media before becoming Program Coordinator at the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The Celebration of Gigi’s Life will include a mass at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2019, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Norwood, followed by a reception nearby. Details to come.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the ELC Foundation (elcfoundation.org) to support the needs of MS patients.
A Celebration of Life reception will take place immediately following Mass at Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood Hotel and Conference Center, 1125 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062. Reception RSVPs, with headcount, should be sent to [email protected] by April 15, 2019.
A block of hotel rooms at reduced rate are available until April 3, 2019. Please call the hotel directly at 781-769-7900 or e-mail [email protected] to make your reservation.
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