Margaret M. LaLima

Waterford - Margaret M. (Gatheral) LaLima, 88, of Waterford, entered eternal life Dec. 6, 2024, in the company of her loving family. She was born Sept. 14, 1936, in New London, to the late Aloysius and Mary (Doyle) Gatheral.

Mrs. LaLima attended local schools in New London. She was united in marriage to Antonio LaLima Jr. Sept. 14, 1957, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, New London. Her home, where everyone gathered for birthdays and holidays, was a source of great joy. She proudly kept an immaculate house and beautiful flower garden. Always wearing a big smile, she was known for her great sense of style and was always dressed to impress.

A life-time lover of Ocean Beach, she was affectionately known to beachgoers as "The Beach Lady," and had her same spot on the sand with her children and grandchildren for over 30 years. Her favorite role was that of devoted mother and grandmother; and she reveled in attending everyone's games, school plays and activities. In her later years, after the children were grown, she enjoyed working as a receptionist for Lean Line and as a cashier for CVS.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Antonio, and two loving sons: Jeffrey and wife Tina LaLima of Waterford and Mark and wife Barbara LaLima of Waterford; along with five grandchildren: Trent and wife Maggie LaLima of West Hartford, Gavin LaLima of New London, Nolan LaLima of South Windsor, Brooke LaLima and fiancée Celeste Schimmenti of Denver, Colo., and Corey LaLima and girlfriend Kristine Chan of Milford; two great-grandchildren, Antonio Joseph LaLima and Elliana Kate LaLima of West Hartford; and sister-in-law Marjorie Gatheral of Jensen Beach, Fla. She was predeceased by her five siblings: Aloysius, Roland, Harold and Francis Gatheral and Dorothy (Gatheral) Roland.

Her family will receive relatives and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Avenue, New London, followed by a funeral home service at 11 a.m. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes a donation on Margaret's behalf to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

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