Irene W. Montesi

Irene Wynne Montesi, age 88, of Hamden, passed away on February 23, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. Irene was born in New Haven on October 6, 1928 to the late Harold G. and Mary Yates Wynne. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Enzo R. Montesi. She is survived by her son, Gary E. (Lisa) Montesi of Guilford; her daughters, Claudia M. Cruz of Wallingford and Gail M. (John) Siclari of Madison; her grandchildren, Michael M. (Laura) Cruz, Mark S. (Tiffany) Cruz, Christopher L. and Olivia L. Montesi; her great-grandchildren, Evan W. and Harper J. Cruz and Anna V. Westberg, and her former son in-law, Arthur M. Cruz. She was predeceased by her siblings, Donald Wynne, Lorraine Wynne, and Mercia Sportino. Irene was a longtime resident of Hamden. Before joining the family business, Montesi Volkswagen, she was a secretary at the Hopkins School in New Haven. Together with her husband, they were philanthropic with generous donations to the former Newington Children's Hospital, the Amity Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund, and a major benefactor to the Hospital of St. Raphael. Her funeral will leave from BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Monday, February 27th at 10:00 a.m. followed by her Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 830 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Friends may also visit with her family on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in Beaverdale Memorial Park Mausoleum in New Haven. Contributions in Irene's memory may be sent to Masonicare Hospice, c/o The Masonic Charity Foundation of CT, 22 Masonic Ave, Wallingford, CT 06492 or www.masonicare.org.