Ida Larocca Chiaia

Ida LaRocca Chiaia, 90, although never admitted to being over 39, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018 while surrounded by her loving and adoring family. Ida was the daughter of the late Philip LaRocca and Mary (Malagisi) LaRocca.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Samuel Chiaia, as well as her sisters and their husbands, Dorothy (Joseph) Dipisa, Clara (Paul) Gulyas and Mary (Anthony) Tremonte.

Ida is survived by her 3 loving and devoted daughters, MaryBeth (Frederick) Kelley, Sandra (Robert) Rabinek and Nancy Chiaia.  She leaves behind her four grandchildren whom she treasured, Kaitlin and Ryan Kelley, Melissa and Samantha Rabinek, as well as her five grand dogs, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Ida graduated from Norwalk High School.  She continued to be active as the secretary of the reunion committee, which planned numerous reunions, including the celebration of their seventieth reunion in 2016. She worked at the Norwalk Board of Education for many years.  She was indispensable while working in the Special Education department and was known as a consummate and conscientious professional by her peers and supervisors.

Ida was a selfless and loving wife, mother, sister and friend to many.  Her kindness and dedication to her family and friends was unsurpassed.  She had a love for all animals, feeding and sheltering stray cats and dogs until she found new homes for them.  She even coerced her husband to build shelters and accompany her on many weekends while she cared for the strays. Ida had a flare for baking and a talent for cooking.  Her Christmas cookies and her meatballs were in high demand by family and friends.

Ida was an unwavering friend, a loving mother and grandmother, a giver in every facet of her life.  She was generous with her time and love, always giving selflessly to anyone in need. She had a beautiful spirit, even through her illness, she was happy, pleasant and a joy to be around.  We were so blessed to hear her laughter and see her beautiful smile.

Ida’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all of her caregivers; especially Marranda, the wonderful 6 East staff at Norwalk Hospital, and the Bridgeport Hospital Center for Geriatrics.

Friends may greet the family on Thursday December 6, 2018 from 4:00 till 8:00 pm in the Hoyt-Cognetta / Lesko Funeral Home, 5 East Wall Street in Historic Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 10:30 at in St. Joseph’s Church, Norwalk, and procession to leave the parlor at 10:00 am. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Norwalk. Please visit www.norwalkfh.com to leave an online condolence and for more information. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ida’s favorite cause - animal rescue - at Cosmo’s Cause Inc. 2338 High Peak Road Monroe, VA 24574 Attn: Peggy Stern or Leader of the Rescue Pack, 19 Woodbine Street, Rowayton, CT 06853 Attn: Peggy Stern.