Gianna Lynn Petrella, 19, of Wethersfield, beloved daughter and sister, passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2016. Gianna was born in Hartford on June 2, 1997. Gianna was a 2015 graduate of Wethersfield High School and was currently attending Manchester Community College. Gianna found her true passion working with children. Sarah and her new KinderCare family had such a special place in her heart.

Gianna was on her way to becoming an amazing teacher. She had such great love for her family and friends; a beautiful and kind person, an old soul who wore her heart on her sleeve. Gianna fought so hard to find peace in her life and she has at last found peace.

For all of us who were able to share in her love, we now have a beautiful Guardian Angel taking care of us, and that’s all she ever really wanted to do. Kindness goes so much farther than we could ever imagine. You are only one, but you are one. With Gianna in your heart please be the one and in honor of Gianna keep kindness in your heart and pay it forward. [Taken from Gianna Petrellas Obituary]

On Saturday July 16, 2016 my town and community lost someone very special. Gianna Lynn Petrella. I graduated with Gianna in 2015 from Wethersfield High School. We had classes together, and she would always say "Hi" to me; even though we weren't in the same friend group.

December 27, 2015 2:22 pm. This was the last time I talked to Gianna. She had messaged me on Instagram after I posted a photo about me being depressed. She had the thought to message me to see if I was OK. You don't know how much that meant to me. From a girl who I went to high school with who we only saw each other in the halls or had some classes with, but never spoke often. I was going through a tough time and she gave me the best advice. And for that I will always remember her. Gianna Petrella You were an angel, and now you have your wings RIP.

-Rebecca S.

"Me & Gianna weren't always friends we had some hard times senior year... But we made up and got past our problems and apologized. At safe grad I was the only person who hung out with her all night because no one else wanted too, and honestly it was a great night and I learned who she truly was and it's sad the way she passed away I pray to god she didn't suffer because she no way deserved to suffer in that kind of way. Rest easy G."

-Taylor M.

Gianna's Classmates at 2015 WHS Graduation; Gianna on Right

Still super glad I got past my problems and got to spend the whole night at safe grad with Gianna. We talked about how badly we wanted to leave and took too much candy, ended up putting it in our shirts. We just talked about everything in the "nap" room and laughed all night at stupid pointless stuff, because we were way too tired! She made me do the wax hand and we couldn't feel our hands for 10 minutes after that. I really wish I got to spend way more time with you than that but it was so fun and I'm glad it was with you

~ Taylor M,

Wednesday night when I got out of your car I never thought that would be the last time I ever see you. I don't even know what to say, I have never lost someone I've been so close to. Ever since the first day I met you (in dance class) you have been the person I told everything to. You never judged me for anything I did, I could tell you anything and you would give me the best advice and now that your gone I feel so lost. I love you so much Gianna thank you for being my everything. Heaven gained another beautiful angel

~Ava S.

This came up on my memories. I posted this one year ago today for my own reasons. Today I reposted this for Gianna. Please, everyone, be kind even when being kind is the last thing you might want to do, you just never know how much it could help someone. Don't be cruel to satisfy your own insecurities, for if you are, you may never fully know the deep seeded damage that's being done to the person you're trying to hurt. People make mistakes, we're all human. Most importantly, remember this, when someone does something wrong, don't forget all the things they did right. We love you G, forever...

~ Liz N.

I don't even have words to say, you were taken way too soon and I will miss you so much... Love You forever, rest easy angel.

~Isabella P.

Gianna, You have touched so many hearts in the 19 years you have lived on Earth. You still are touching people's lives. You are a loss for our little town. You are loved and still will always be loved. <3

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to an educational fund set up in honor of Gianna for her sister Isabella to pursue the dreams Gianna will never have the opportunity to do. Donations can be made out to: The Isabella Petrella Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 290312, Wethersfield, CT 06129.