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Perna was born Dec. 25, 1938, in Stamford, to Canio M. and Christine Sanseverino. She graduated from the Mother of God Academy in 1956, where she worked as a secretary and remained a constant supporter of the school's Ukrainian Nuns Religious Order. She worked in her family's business, Camsan Electric & Appliance, and eventually served as the company bookkeeper.
She was served as a Eucharistic minister, a youth minister for 10 years, a religious education teacher, in addition to serving as a parish council member and president. She started the parish's International Dinner, volunteered at the local soup kitchen, traveled on multiple trips with the parish youth to serve the poor in Appalachia, and founded the Woman's Retreat.
Perna is survived by her husband, Frank J. Perna, Jr. of Stamford; her children, Janice Perna-Nicholas (Frank) of Norwalk, Dr. David Perna (Jennifer Nesin) of Newton, Mass., Michèle Perna of Stamford and Greg Perna (Jennifer Reilly) of Stamford; brother, Alfred Sanseverino (Elizabeth) of Stamford; sister, Carol Lupinacci-Lalli (Michael) of Norwalk; sisters-in-law, Patricia Sanseverino and Jeanne Perna of Stamford; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Domenick Sanseverino; and brother-in-law, Anthony J. Perna.
Calling hours are Thursday, March 27 from 3 to 8 p.m. at The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 28, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo’s Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford. Burial will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Perna’s memory for the medical care of her granddaughter, Riley Perna, by donating directly to the Umbrella Club of Stamford, P.O. Box 112238, Stamford, CT 06911-2238.
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