Obituary of Gwenn S. Fiorito

Gwenn Slater Fiorito, longtime Darien resident, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away on April 7, with her family by her side. She was 82.

Gwenn graduated from Greenwich High School and attended The Wood School in NYC. She worked as an administrative secretary at Pitney Bowes and as a medical secretary in Stamford for many years. After retiring, she devoted herself to volunteering, painting and babysitting for her grandchildren. She loved engaging them with art projects, music, dance and books.  Gwenn enjoyed sewing clothes and pjs for them and their friends. She doted on her dogs, Molly and Beau.

Gwenn spent her life dancing and her training in ballet and tap stayed with her throughout her life. She loved teaching dance and influenced some of her granddaughters to dance. She was the life of the party, showing off her dance moves at weddings and parties, dancing the Lindy, the Jitterbug, the Hustle and many more.

Gwenn was known for her friendliness, sense of humor, and joyful outlook on life. Whenever someone moved into her neighborhood, she was the first to greet them. She was always smiling and telling jokes to make people laugh. Better laugh, then cry, she'd say. She found so much beauty in the world around her. She loved gardening, and was in awe of nature's beauty, finding the divine in all of God's creations. The beach was always a favorite spot to go and reflect and watch the waves and clouds. It inspired her to paint, which she shared with friends and family.

Gwenn was predeceased by the love of her life, husband, John M. Fiorito Jr, her beloved son, Jeffery Slater Hawkinson, an infant daughter, and her dear niece, Megan Slater Vuto. The Slater boys, her brothers Dick, Bob, and Donald as well as her sister Joan Slater Devaul also predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter, Holly Hawkinson Batti and husband James and grandchildren Kevin and Julia of Ridgefield. She is also survived by her late husband's children and grandchildren, her incredible dog Beauregard, and three generations of Slaters.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Greens at Cannondale and RVNA Health who loved and cared for her like she was their family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org), RVNAHealth.org, or a charity of your choice in Gwenn's name.