Obituaries

Marie “Nana” Dye Gionfrida, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 16, 1930, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Marie was the cherished daughter of James and Della Dye. Throughout her life, she exemplified the virtues of love, kindness, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Marie was married to her loving husband, Salvatore Samuel Gionfrida, for 54 wonderful years. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home that would become a sanctuary for their family. In the heart of this home, Marie flourished as a devoted mother to her daughters, Debbie Back (Larry) and Tina Savoie. She was a proud and loving grandmother to her grandchildren: Samuel Brian Back, Jonathan Savoie, Megan Savoie, and Laura Savoie, as well as a doting great-grandmother to Angel Back (Ruby), Jaxson Savoie, and Laine Savoie. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, earning the affectionate nickname “Nana” that spoke to her warm spirit and nurturing nature.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Sal, her beloved daughter Donna Kay Gionfrida, her cherished grandson Michael Kevin Back and her dear son-in-law Jody Savoie, her sisters Tincie Pullen (Harry), Francis Keeter (Sam), and Durea Pugh, as well as her brothers Clarence Dye (Alma), Carey Dye (Hazel), Charlie Dye (Betty Lou), and Bob Dye. She also mourned the loss of her sister-in-law, Sylvia Skinner, and her brothers-in-law, Ernest Holt, Joseph Genovese, and Santo Gionfriddo.

She is survived by a host of other family members, including her sister Wilma Holt and sister-in-law Terri Genovese, and many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her love and support.

In her professional life, Marie was an Office Manager at a Bakery and later at JC Penney Department Store. However, her true calling came when she left the workforce to embrace the role of a full-time homemaker and dedicated mom to her youngest daughter. Her commitment to her family was unwavering, and she devoted herself entirely to nurturing and caring for her loved ones.

Marie was not only a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she was also a sister, aunt, and friend to many. Her kindness, generosity, and vibrant, sassy spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. Marie had a way of making everyone feel special and loved, and she often went out of her way to lend a helping hand or offer a comforting word.

A visitation in celebration of Marie’s life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Peninsula Funeral Home, followed by burial at Peninsula Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m. The family invites all who loved Marie to join them in remembrance and to honor her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Union Mission Ministries at 5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, in Marie’s memory.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice Care, especially to her nurse, Meredith, and CNA, Jeleya, for the compassionate care they provided to Marie during her final days. We would also like to thank Landon Spiess for always being there to help her and treating her like she was his “Nana”.

Marie “Nana” Dye Gionfrida will be deeply missed but will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched with her love and wisdom. May her memory be a blessing.