Obituary of Irma (Ponticelli) Della Fera

Irma Della Fera, 95, the loving wife of the late Louis Della Fera, died peacefully at home with her family by her side on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. She was born in Manchester on December 29, 1922, the daughter of Henrietta and Peter Ponticelli. She graduated from Manchester High School, Class of 1942 and then went to work at the Travelers Insurance Company until she started her family. Irma was a communicant of St. Bridget Church and a member of the St. Bridget Rosary Society and their Social Club. She was also a member of the Woman’s Club of Manchester. Along with her husband of 63 years, Irma enjoyed watching UCONN girls' basketball, going to the dog races, playing bingo at the Army & Navy Club and then dancing with friends there on Saturday nights. She was very artistic and was involved in many crafts and projects such as floral arranging and caning furniture. A true nurturer and a sweet and loving woman, Irma will always be remembered as a blessing to her family and friends, and one who was always willing to help whenever she saw the need. Her greatest joy was being with her family at gatherings with her grandchildren, and she was able to spend many happy times with them as they grew up. Two who brought precious sunshine to her life were her great-grandson, Callen Collet, and her great-granddaughter, Sydney Collet. In addition to her great-grandchildren, she is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Judith and Patrick Collet of Manchester and her son and daughter-in-law, Louis and Christine Della Fera of Rocky Hill; her grandchildren, Jeffrey Collet and his wife Erin, Jaclyn Collet, Lauren Della Fera and her husband Ryan, and Matthew Della Fera; and several nieces and nephews. Irma was predeceased by her brother, Freddie Ponticelli and her sister, Olga Robinson. Irma’s family would like to offer appreciation to Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care and Independence at Home with special gratitude for Essie, Mary, Amy, and Kathy's loving care. The family was also truly blessed with Irma's loving companions: her niece Cheryl, and family friends June, Karen, and Joanne. The Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 17th, at 10:00 from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St, Manchester, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Bridget Church, Manchester, at 10:30 with burial at St. James Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday morning from 9:00 – 10:00. Those wishing may make memorial donations to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington St. Hartford, CT 06106 (or click here.) For online condolences please visit tierneyfuneralhome.com