Loretta "Lori" T. DeFelice

Lori Tinsley DeFelice, 78, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family. She grew up in Shelton, attended Notre Dame Academy and Shelton High School and went on to graduate from Stone Academy. With her loving husband of over 60 years, she moved to Southbury in 1973 to establish roots and raise a family.

A lifelong reader, Lori believed deeply in the power of books and education to transform lives. Throughout her life, she volunteered countless hours at local libraries including at the Region 15 elementary and middle schools, Southbury Public Library and the historic library in South Britain.

For many years, Lori was involved with the Republican Town Committee and volunteered with numerous political campaigns and the passing of school budget votes. In the late 70’s, she was instrumental in helping to pass the referendum for construction of the current Pomperaug High School. Later, she enjoyed lively political discussions with her good friends from Southbury at their Wednesday lunches.

An accomplished and meticulous craftsperson, Lori was rarely without a new and challenging project. While she sewed and knitted throughout her life for family, she especially enjoyed knitting for charity after joining knitting circles at Heritage Village and the Woodbury Senior Center. For over 50 years, Lori was a member of Sacred Heart Church where she served as a sacristan and participated in GIFT with her grandchildren. She was a devoted Catholic and especially grateful for the music at the church which provided great comfort to her at the end of her life.

In her family, she will be most remembered for passing on the values she shared with her husband: cherish relationships, find purpose and live with humility.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, John; her daughters, Kelly (Paul) Westerhoff of Scottsdale,AZ and Candace (John-Paulo) Fernandes of Woodbury; and her grandchildren Emma, Christopher and Andrew Westerhoff; and Jon and Ian Fernandes. She is predeceased by her parents, Mary and Thomas Tinsley

.Her family is grateful for the support of her wonderful neighbors and friends, her oncologist, Dr. Kert Sabbath, and her amazing team of caregivers Michelle, Brenda, Marie, and Sara who not only provided support and comfort to her family, but allowed her to die with the dignity and grace with which she lived.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 10:00AM at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury, CT. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center.

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