In Memoriam: Tammy A. (Gioia) Kula

From DellaVecchia Funeral Home.

Tammy A. (Gioia) Kula, 58, of Southington, passed away on Monday, December 14, in the arms of her loving husband, Kurt Kula, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tammy was born in Southington, to Catello “Sonny” Gioia and Ellen (Richard) Gioia on August 17, 1957.

She was a 1975 Southington High School graduate and a lifelong resident of Southington. As a hairdresser and make-up artist, Tammy owned and operated “Backstage Barber” in Southington in the early 80’s. Later, Tammy pursued her passion in culinary arts as co-owner of “Popover’s Bake Shop and Cookery” in Cheshire where her talent as a pastry chef and exceptional cake decorator truly shined.

Tammy will be forever remembered by her husband, Kurt Kula, and son, Austin Kowalewski. Anyone that knew Tammy knew that her son, Austin, was her pride and joy. She will be dearly missed by her father, Sonny Gioia, and his wife Virginia, her sisters, Toby (Gioia) Paradis and her life partner, Charles Angeli, Cheryl (Gioia) Fasulo and her husband Mike Fasulo and Shelly (Gioia) Morelli and her husband, Bob Morelli, all of Southington. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews including Jamie (Paradis) Finkelstein of Plainville, CT with whom she shared a very special bond.

Tammy was predeceased by her mom, Ellen (Richard) Gioia.

Tammy was happiest when spending time with her husband and son in Point Judith, RI where she was married. She was a very special part of the “Four Joy Girls” and will be truly missed and forever in their hearts.

A memorial service and reception honoring Tammy’s life will be held on Saturday, January 16, at 10 a.m. at the Grace United Methodist Church, 121 Pleasant St., Southington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Foundation for Women’s Cancer” at <http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/ways-to-give/> or mail to, Foundation for Women’s Cancer, 230 W. Monroe St, Suite 2528, Chicago, Illinois 60606-4902.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all her family and friends, including her “Facebook Family,” who stayed by her side and encouraged her throughout her journey.