Rosemary "Mimi" Giammarino
Mimi Giammarino of Groton passed away Monday, January 23, 2023, surrounded by her family and her affectionate golden retriever, Ollie.
She was born in Springfield, daughter of Gene (Kane) Giammarino on October 30, 1954. Mimi grew up in Springfield, with her mom and four siblings; she graduated from Notre Dame High School and Becker College inWorcester
. Following college, Mimi accepted a job as a buyer for Gilchrist Department Store in Boston, which was conveniently located across the street from Jordan Marsh and Filenes. For a young Mimi, that was a dream location and a shopping trifecta. Her love of fashion and clothes often outweighed life’s basic necessities. Mimi’s love of all things fashion would never diminish, and throughout her lifetime she would always be impeccably dressed. Whether at a Spinazzola Gala, a wine dinner, or even the Kentucky Derby she was always the best dressed person in the room.
After leaving Gilchrist, Mimi pursued a sales position in the liquor industry. She quickly learned she had an affinity for “good wine” and her expertise would lead to a 40-plus-year career, retiring as Northeast Region Director for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
Mimi’s many accomplishments included the annual Presidents club award which she received multiple times during her career, and the Glenn Yaffa Award of Excellence. She was a passionate leader in the wine industry and paved the way for many women that followed. In fact, these industry accolades and her persona led Ste. Michelle to develop the Mimi Chardonnay and the Mimi Cabernet.
Mimi was extremely devoted to her family and friends, contributing to all their lives with her generous spirit, kindness, and grace. She spent many of her days helping others with whatever was needed. Her amazing culinary expertise and exquisite presentation consistently wowed family and friends.
Mimi served on the Groton Neighbors Board of Directors and was an active member of the Groton Garden Club. She enjoyed playing pickleball, golf, cooking, gardening, yoga, and walking her not so well-behaved golden retriever, Ollie.
She was predeceased by her sister Maryellen Gouin of Summerville, SC.
She is survived by her mother, Gene Giammarino of Lexington; brother Brian Giammarino (Jan) of Antrim, NH; her sisters, Anne Wilkes (Tom) of Lexington, Christine Pandolfi (Mark) of West Suffield, CT; her nieces Gina Gilbert (Ryan), Chelsea Wilkes, Alyssa Wilkes; her nephews, Ben Wilkes, Sam Giammarino, and Michael Alexander Hacking; several great nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends Vin Cellilli and Helen Heinzer. A special thank you to Nancy Tilly and Mimi’s many friends who were very helpful during this difficult time.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 10 a.m. - noon at McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main Street (Rte. 113), Pepperell, MA. Following, Mimi's Funeral Mass will be, celebrated at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Parish worshiping at St. James Church, 13 St. James Ave., West Groton, MA. Memorial contributions may be made in Mimi’s memory to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, PO Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749-0808 (www.ygrr.org) or to Groton Neighbors, PO Box 1006, Groton, MA 01450 (www.grotonneighbors.org). Please see www.McGaffiganFuneral.com