Gazella M. Weigand's Obituary
Gazella Mary (Polinski) Weigand of Edgewater, Maryland passed away on February 27th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Gazella was born on March 9, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois to Matthew Richard Polinski and Gazella Mary (Intribus) Polinski. She graduated from Lourdes High School in Chicago and then earned her Associate's degree in Education at the University of Illinois Chicago Circle (UICC). She continued her studies at Louisiana State University (LSU) while she and her late husband, William Adam Weigand (Bill), lived in Baton Rouge. She worked as a secretary at Illinois Instititue of Technology (IIT) where her husband completed his graduate studies.
Gazella was incredibly artistic and creative which led her down the road of becoming a successful floral designer. Her love of flowers began in Chicago where she trained and worked closely with Bob Friese an AIFD, Certified Floral Designer. Eventually, Gazella, her husband, and their children relocated to Annapolis, Maryland where she became a well-known Floral Designer in the Annapolis area. Her love of the trade inspired her to start her own business, Flowers by Gazella, and enabled her to create beautiful floral arrangements at some of the most historical venues in Annapolis especially during the Christmas holiday season. Her arrangements caught the attention of so many, and that notoriety meant she was sought after by many brides and local businesses.
While attending a dance at Saint Rosa Lima Church in Chicago, Illinois, she met the love of her life, Bill Weigand. Together, they enjoyed exploring new places and traveling the world. They loved attending many cultural events such as theater and musical performances. Being a part of a variety of groups/clubs (art, historical societies, gourmet cooking, bird watching, and exercise to name a few) was something they loved doing together. Gazella also enjoyed reading, museums, painting, jewelry making, the arts, antiquing, and being a part of any event where she could learn new things.
Gazella's husband, Bill Weigand, passed away on February 25th of 2023, and she is survived by her daughter Corinne Weigand (Cheryl) Edgewater, MD, her daughter Christie Dinan of Merrimac, MA, her granddaughter Kayla Dinan of Merrimac, MA , her sister Suzanne Graal, (Terrence) of Palos Heights, IL, her sister-in-law Mary Ann Fell of LaPorte, IN, her brother-in-law Tom Weigand (Irene) of Chapin, SC, two nephews, two nieces and several great nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Historic Annapolis. Gazella had a great love and passion for historical places and antiques. She had a significant involvement in the Historical Societies in all the different towns in which she lived (Reston, VA, West Lafayette, IN, Downers Grove, IL, and Annapolis, MD). She enjoyed giving talks on antiques such as coverlets, Christmas ornaments, and furniture. Your donation will help preserve and protect Annapolis' history. Click here to donate.
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