Lois Cavaliere
Lois Cavaliere of Stamford, CT, passed away on November 4, 2023, with her family by her side. Lois was born in 1941 to Louis and Anna Saggese and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1961, She married Dominick Cavaliere in 1962 and they resided in Stamford their entire married life. She is survived by her husband of 61 years; her sons Louis Cavaliere (Debbie) and DJ Cavaliere; her daughter Maria Cavaliere-Lovello (Frank); her grandchildren, Joe (Meredith), Christian (Kristin), Danielle, Devon, Teagan, Nicholas, and her greatest joy, great-grandson Brayden; and her sister Victoria Saggese.
Lois was born in the Bronx, NY, and enjoyed summers in Long Beach with her cousins who were like sisters. Some of her favorite times were sledding down “suicide hill” onto the Hutchinson River Parkway with Wonder Bread bags on their feet and newspapers in their rubber boots.
Dominick surprised Lois with a month-long honeymoon in Italy. They sailed overseas and met the Italian relatives and made lifelong friends on the return trip. They built their house in Stamford and hosted many family gatherings, holidays, pool parties, and celebrations.
“Big Lo” was the life of the party among her friends in both Connecticut and Florida where she was the organizer of many events, such as ice cream socials, card games, and the infamous 3 o’clock soak. She loved to laugh and tell jokes — the naughtier the better! She could play Scrabble, Rummikub, or Canasta for hours with her friends.
Christmas was her favorite time of year, especially baking struffoli, dead man’s bones, pizzelles, and (of course) her mother Anna’s famous biscotti. She was so happy to deliver them to every party, share the recipe, and give lessons on how to make them.
She loved to cook and could whip up a meal for 20 people in under 30 minutes. Even the “wrong number” callers got an invite to Tuesday dinner. She wasn’t perfect though: The sign in her kitchen reads: “Dinner is ready when the smoke alarm goes off.”
Her creativity was outstanding. She loved using her hands and was never idle. Sewing (frequently repairing friend’s clothes), quilting (creating one-of-a-kind keepsakes), crocheting (yes, she made beach bags out of plastic grocery bags), making jewelry (her vintage button bracelets were amazing), and hand-making greeting cards.
She was her children’s greatest fan, especially at their sporting events. “Mama Cav” was room mom, team mom, field trip chaperone, and number one cheerleader. Remember the cowbell? The airhorn? That screeching whistle from her lips? You knew when Lois was in the sporting arena! As far as we know, she was the originator of the “pre-game pasta party” and was happy to host post-game celebrations. Her open- door policy was well-known, and she was always happy to lend an ear, give advice, or share wisdom with her children’s friends.
She was a caregiver through and through — opening her home and taking care of her own mom, her mother-in-law, and her sister in their times of need.
She was an unparalleled friend to all who knew her, and her vivacious personality touched so many lives. We know her absence will be felt by many people, far and wide.
Lois would always say, “Don’t send flowers when I’m dead, I want to enjoy them when my eyes are open.” To honor Lois’s wish, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to Fairfield County Hospice House or St. Jude’s Hospital.
“Lo Jingles” as she’s most recently been called, requested that anyone who attends her funeral mass wear bright and cheerful clothes. It will be a celebration of her wonderful life of 82 years.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Stamford Hospital, the Bennett Cancer Center, Fairfield County Hospice House, and Constellation Nursing Services for the amazing care and compassion they showed to Lois throughout her journey these past nine months.
A funeral procession will be leaving the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue,Stamford on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM at Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 PM.
The family requests that donations be made in Lois’ memory to the Fairfield County Hospice House, 1 Den Road, Stamford, CT 06902 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To leave online condolences, visit www.cognetta.co