Former USO entertainer Gianini dead at 85

ST. PETERS, Mo., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Former United Service Organizations star Marie Louise Gianini, part of the Avon Sisters duo, died in St. Peters, Mo., at the age of 85, her son, Chris, said.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch said Sunday that Gianini paired with her sister, Theresa Frisby, to perform as the Avon Sisters for U.S. soldiers in the Midwestern United States during World War II.

"They trooped all around the Midwest entertaining troops with the USO, putting on comedy shows and dance routines," Gianini's son, Chris, said.

In recognition of her efforts to keep up soldiers' morale, Gianini even received a telephone call from then-U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt.

Gianini died Friday of unspecified causes at St. Peters Manor Care Center.

The Post-Dispatch said she is survived by her sons, Chris, David, Emil and John; her sister, Theresa Frisby; her brother, Mark Newbold; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.