Cecilia Viola Villemaire, 93, died June 16, 2016 at home surrounded by people who loved her. She was the wife of the late Raymond E. Villemaire, who was the love of her life. Cecilia was born on September 26, 1922 in Barre, VT to the late Matthew and Margaret (White) Fitzgerald.

Her primary career was that of a teletypist and proof reader which she did for many different publications including the Burlington Free Press, Hartford Times, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register and Farmer’s Almanac. She was very loyal to her Irish heritage, Roman Catholic Faith and the care of others. Later in life, she became certified in Home Health Care, served as an advocate for the elderly and worked in Hospice.

Cecilia was very proud of her role as mother and often expressed that her family was the most important thing in her life.

She loved music, gardening, books and all animals, especially Eddie.

She is survived by two daughters; Francine Sahlin and husband Bruce of Lakeside, CT, and Linda Rae Mangold and husband Tom of Hernando, FL, four granddaughters; Kathryn Carrigan and husband Gordon and sons Quinn and Liam of Goshen, Laura Kolpa and husband Ken of Oakville, Abigail Johnsky and husband Todd of Bristol, Jill Sahlin of Litchfield; two grandsons: Matthew Mangold and wife Jessica of Broomfield, CO and Peter Mangold of Denver, CO.; 8 great grandchildren; Adam Sahlin, Lily Johnsky, Sophie Johnsky, Hope Johnsky, Ben Johnsky, Lana Kolpa, Nicholas Mangold and Luke Mangold, and several nieces and nephews.

Cecilia was predeceased by six siblings; Geraldine, John Francis, Lillian, Stanley, Charles and Matthew Fitzgerald.

Cecilia’s family wishes to express gratitude to all of the care givers, visiting nurses, Hospice workers and all people who supported Cecilia and her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday June 22, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 49 South St. Litchfield. Burial will follow in Our Lady Grace Cemetery in Bantam. Calling hours will be Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 am at Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road Litchfield.

In Lieu of flowers, Cecilia would have appreciated support for the Friendly Hands Food Bank, 50 King Street, Torrington, CT 06790.

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