CAMDEN — Gianina Galanti Ames, 98, passed away on September 25, 2021 at Windward Gardens where she had been a resident.

She was born on July 7, 1923, daughter of Felice and Gertrude Galanti, being the oldest of five daughters. Gianina graduated from Camden High School in 1941 and married her high school sweetheart, Edwin Parker Ames, that same year. They were married for 54 years until his death in 1996.

She worked several jobs waitressing at Yorkie’s Diner in Camden and the Sail Loft Restaurant in Rockport. She also worked for many years for Down East Magazine and finally for the Town Office in Camden. Gianina was a very dedicated celebrant of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church in Camden.

She was also a very active member of the Our Lady of Good Hope Women’s Club, making numerous wreaths and bows each year for their Christmas Sale. She enjoyed crafting, making jewelry and other handy items that she often sold at local craft fairs. In her earlier years she was a very accomplished candlepin bowler, competing in several leagues. In 1948 she won the State of Maine Women’s Candlepin Bowling Championship.

The Galanti clan was always known for hosting large family and friend gatherings, where there was plenty of great Italian food.

Always willing to help others out, Gianina would provide rides or do shopping for friends whenever needed. She will be remembered by some for her pantomimes of Jimmy Durante in the Annual Camden Minstrel Show held at the Camden Opera House each year. She was also a participant in the Senior Follies held at the Lincoln County Theater each year. Gianina could always be found as a regular at local Bingo games too.

Gianina was predeceased by her husband, Edwin; parents Felice and Gertrude Galanti; sisters Anna Webb and husband John “Chic”, Mary Smyth and husband Arthur “Red” and Betty Anderson and husband Edward; brother-in-law Frank Stearns, beloved daughter-in-law, Adele Zucchi Ames, who she loved like a daughter’ and nephews Glenn and Paul Smyth.

She is survived by son, David of Northport; sister Grace Stearns of Camden; granddaughter Pamela Veilleux of Manchester, New Hampshire, with great-grand daughters Jocelyn and Alyson Veilleux; granddaughter Debi Tukey and husband David of Gorham, with great-grandsons Anthony Dugan and Alex Tukey; and great-granddaughter Blake Adele Parker and husband Nick of Buxton with great-great-granddaughter Marie Adele Parker.

She is also survived by numerous, loving nieces and nephews, along with many great nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church on Union Street in Camden on Friday, October 8, at 10 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to Our Lady of Good Hope Women’s Club, St Brendan the Navigator Parish, 7 Union St., Camden, ME 04843.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.