Obituary: Geraldine Bodie Paolillo, 82; Formerly Of Fairfield

CHESHIRE, CT ? (From North Haven Funeral Home): Geraldine Bodie Paolillo, 82, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at her home with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of 60 years to Michael S. Paolillo.

Geraldine was born in Bridgeport on November 2, 1939, and was the daughter of the late Louis W. and Helen E. Chik Bodie. Geraldine grew up in Fairfield, CT and attended local public schools, graduating from Fairfield High School with the class of 1959. She worked various jobs throughout her life before retiring in the mid-80s.

Gerry had many wonderful talents, gifts, and hobbies, but her primary interest was dogs. In 1973 she purchased her first Bichon Frise. Her love for Bichons caused her to be a part of the breed?s community for over four decades; which included dog breeding, showing, and grooming, as well as photography, and creating various works of art.

As a published artist, her involvement with the Bichon Frise Club of America, the Bichon Frise Club of New England, and the Elm City Kennel Club allowed her to perfect her artwork which included canvas paintings and trophy designs such as painting Bichons on ceramic pieces. She also made many life-long friends along the way. She helped many breeders improve their litter outcomes by her vast knowledge of pedigrees, thus contributing to the maintaining of the breed standard.

Although Gerry?s artwork and involvement with dogs brought her great pleasures; her truest joy was watching her family grow.

Mother of Mary O?Hara (Martin), Geraldine Mouris (Richard, Jr.) and Susan Burke (Drew). Grandmother of Michael O?Hara (Siobhan), Amanda Davidson (Brendan), Mary Bridget Hamerl (Ben), Thomas O?Hara (Misha), Martin O?Hara, Jr., Kathleen O?Hara, Joseph O?Hara, Maximilian O?Hara and James O?Hara, Richard Mouris III (Melanie), Brittany Gantner (Branden), Ashley Dafgek (Ryan) and D.J. Burke. Also survived by nine great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Helen Stopper.

The visiting hours will be Friday, July 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven on Saturday morning, July 30 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit North Haven Funeral Home here.