WASHINGTON CITY, Utah — Hundreds gathered at a Washington City park Tuesday night to honor Gigi Lalonde, a woman whose personal journey from homelessness and addiction led her to help countless others in southern Utah.
More than 300 people lit candles at Nisson Park on Tuesday night to remember Lalonde, who died last Friday at age 36. The single mother of three children was remembered for her unconditional approach to helping others.
"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.
At the memorial, Carrillo asked attendees to raise their hands if Lalonde had ever helped them. Hundreds of candles lifted into the air.
"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.
After experiencing homelessness and addiction on the East Coast, Lalonde rebuilt her life in St. George, starting house-cleaning and hairdressing businesses. She became a driving force behind fundraisers and charities helping others overcome addiction, mental illness and homelessness.
Her outreach extended to Las Vegas, where she volunteered to help homeless individuals living 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 recalled his first encounter with Lalonde: "I was at the DI, looking for, trying to find some money, you know, to get food. She was there. She opened her heart to me the first time. Like, 'Hey, you know what? You need help?' Because she knew where I was coming from."
While asking for privacy, Lalonde's family confirmed she died of a drug overdose.
Those who knew her say it was Lalonde's humanity and empathy that made her special.
"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.
Attendees at the memorial also fondly remembered Lalonde's East Coast accent and her catchphrases, including "Hootie Hoo," which they explained meant "right here" — fitting for a woman who was always there for others in need.
Lalonde had previously been in the public eye in 2019 when she and seven other families sued the now-closed Desert Edge Montessori daycare in Santa Clara after the head of the school pleaded no contest to abusing one of Lalonde's children and others. According to court documents, a judge awarded damages to the families in 2021.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Lalonde's family.
