On Tuesday night, a large crowd assembled at a park in Washington City to pay tribute to Gigi Lalonde, a remarkable woman whose transformation from homelessness and addiction inspired her to assist many in southern Utah.
On Tuesday night, over 300 individuals gathered at Nisson Park, lighting candles in memory of Lalonde, who passed away last Friday at the age of 36. A beloved single mother of three was celebrated for her unwavering dedication to assisting those in need.
“She met you where you were at. You didn’t have to meet some standard or look a certain way or be abstaining from substances or whatever. She believed every human being’s needs deserve to be met, regardless,” said Amanda Carrillo, who was impacted by Lalonde’s generosity.
During the memorial, Carrillo invited those present to lift their hands if they had ever received assistance from Lalonde. Countless candles soared into the sky.
“It was always like that with her. It was ‘come grab a plate of food.’ ‘Oh, my daughter just grew out of her cleats. Do your kids need them?'” Carrillo said.
Having faced the challenges of homelessness and addiction on the East Coast, Lalonde transformed her life in St. George by launching successful house-cleaning and hairdressing ventures. She emerged as a pivotal figure in organizing fundraisers and charitable initiatives aimed at assisting individuals in overcoming addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness.
She took her efforts to Las Vegas, dedicating her time to assist homeless individuals residing in flood tunnels.
“She’s just an amazing person to be in her addiction and just come out of there and make time to go out to the streets and pour your heart into giving out sandwiches and helping people out in the tunnels in Vegas, and people out here in St. George,” said Paco Lozano, who was helped by Lalonde.
Lozano reminisced about his initial meeting with Lalonde: “I was at the DI, searching for, attempting to locate some funds, you know, to buy food.” She made her presence known. She revealed her true feelings to me from the very beginning. Guess what? Do you require assistance? She understood my perspective.
Lalonde’s family has requested privacy as they confirm her passing was due to a drug overdose.
According to those familiar with her, it was Lalonde’s remarkable compassion and understanding that set her apart.
“Gigi was not the person that was looking in the hole. You know, Gigi climbed down in the hole with you and was like, ‘I know the way out,'” Carrillo said.
