Fairport, NY- Miriam Jolidon, known to friends and her grandson as “Mimi”, passed away on November 7th, 2018 at the age of 76 after bravely fighting aggressive bladder cancer. She had an infectious laugh which she shared often. Her love of life was evident to all. She could be loud and vibrant, and also quiet and reflective. Her ability to listen and empathize with others could be rivaled by few.
A lover of all art, she frequented the theatre (both locally, and in Canada), museums all over the world, and watched movies of all kinds. She loved to travel and had been to France, Italy, Hungary, and Ireland. She was passionate about politics and believed in standing up for those who were oppressed. One of Mimi’s proudest times was working on the Obama campaign. Her attention to detail and organizational skills were an art form. Above all else she had a love for her family and would do anything for them. Her grandson Calvin was her current obsession.Mimi will forever be remembered by her partner Sam Fasciano, sons Louis (Lana) Pulvino and Chris Pulvino, daughter Karey (Josh Nordeen) Schmergel, grandson Calvin Nordeen, step-granddaughters Gianna and Lorenza Calcagno, nieces Denise (Giuseppe) Bianchi, Ellen Turrie, and Susan (Kevin) Yackel, grand-nieces Jenna Bianchi, Gina Turrie, Ashley and Emily Yackel, and grand-nephews Nicholas Bianchi, Kyle (Leigh) Turrie, and Jacob Turrie. Mimi was predeceased by her parents, Mary Imogene and Laurence Jolidon, sisters Ninon Beaney and Marilyn Herndon, and brother Laurence Jolidon.Friends and family are welcome to a celebration of her life on December 18th from 5-7pm at Geva Theatre, 75 Woodbury Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14607. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ACLU ( www.aclu.org ) or The Elephant Listening Project ( http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/elephant/ ).
I’m so sad to read this news. My friendship with Mimi was the easiest relationship with another human I’ve ever experienced. I think of her often and have a vivid picture in my mind of her beautiful smile. Her authenticity and her love of life was inspiring. I so loved her generosity and kindness and I’ve missed her very much since moving away from Rochester 8 years ago. She loved her family to the moon and back. I’m so, so, sorry for your loss of her loving presence. Her love was too big to end in death tho, so I believe somehow, someway, she’s cheering us all on! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mimi was a wonderful friend. I got to know her on a road trip to Ohio, with volunteers for John Kerry. Six strangers thrown together in a car, for the trip from Rochester to Ohio became fast friends, and remain so now. Mimi played a key role in keeping us all in touch. I discovered during the trip that we had many mutual friends of long standing. She said it was as if we’d always known each other, and I felt the same way. She generously served as my campaign treasurer the following year, when I stumbled into a seat on the city school board, and I recall well her work in the Obama campaign, starting a year before anybody thought he had a chance, and while it sounds corny, I remember her pride in America the night he won. She was more than a political person, or activist for social justice. Her love for her family and friends was quickly evident. She was also a lover of art. She was incomparably charming, attractive, and fun to be around. No setback or heartache kept her from tackling the next project with relish. In more recent years, I recall a message from her that she was in a new relationship. “Imagine that.” she exclaimed, as if it were a surprise. Actually, it was not the least bit surprising. It is difficult to find the words that convey the sense of loss those of us who loved her feel.