Pauline 'Polly' Parmelee

Pauline 'Polly' Parmelee, lifelong resident of Hamden, CT, died peacefully on November 11, 2016 at Hamden Health Care Center, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born October 22, 1921, in New Haven, CT, to the late Louis and Julia Massaro. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Walter, and her brother and sisters. She is survived by her sister, Theresa DeAngelis, her children Dennis Parmelee and wife Ruth Ellen of Naples, FL, David Parmelee and wife Shirley of Wallingford, CT, and Cindy Maris and husband Mark of Nashua, NH. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer Childs (husband Chris) of Greenwich, CT, Ali Parmelee (husband Joel Waggener) of New Haven, CT, Lizzie Michael (husband Scott) of Woburn, MA, and David Parmelee Jr. of Shelton, CT. She is also survived by 6 (and a half) beloved great-grandchildren: George, Lucy, Nina, Henry, Vivienne and Violet. Polly believed in family above all. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all she met. She was formerly employed as a teacher of developmentally disabled children at Southbury Training School. As a founding member of Dunbar United Church of Christ and dedicated disciple for more than 70 years, she spent many years working in Christian Education making lasting impressions on countless children. She was also active with the UCC at the state and national level, previously serving as President of the CT Women of the UCC and as a member of the Board for Homeland Ministries. In 1987 Polly was Connecticut's choice as outstanding church laywoman, presented at UCC General Synod. She also had many friends at Bethesda Lutheran Church, where she and Walter were married October 18, 1944, and were members of the 'Doubles' group. Polly loved spending time with her friends and family, cooking them countless wonderful dinners and desserts and opening her home to all. Polly touched many lives with her cheerful loving spirit and contagious smile. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life which will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Dunbar United Church of Christ, 767 Benham St., Hamden, CT. Her burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dunbar UCC.