Obituary: Lucille Delany, 93, Of Wilton, Formerly Of Ridgefield

Information Courtesy Kane Funeral Home

WILTON, CT — Lucille R. Delany, 93, of Wilton, formerly of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 5, after a long struggle with dementia. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, Edward Delany.

Lucille was born at home on April 5, 1927 in Lindenhurst, NY; a daughter of the late George and Anna Heling. Lucille, the youngest of three, grew up in a family that cherished each other and loved Christmastime and family celebrations. Lucille attended Lindenhurst High School and graduated in 1944. In high school Lucille was very active; she was a founding member of the Fashion Club, a cheerleader, yearbook editor and a secretary. Because of her beauty and kind disposition, in her senior year Lucille was voted both Best Looking and Most Popular Girl, two superlatives that continued to describe her throughout life.

It was also in high school that Lucille met the love of her life, Edward (Eddy) Delany, during a day at Jones Beach with mutual friends. After high school Lucille worked as a bank teller while Ed served his country as a newly commissioned naval officer stationed in the Philippines at the end of WWII. After Ed was released from active service, he continued his courtship of Lucille and they were wed on May 22, 1948.

Lucille continued to work outside the home while her love was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. After Ed's honorable discharge, they lived briefly in Norwalk before moving their young family to Ridgefield, where Ed and Lucille resided for 61 years, until they relocated to The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton.

Above all else, Lucille was devoted to her family. She enjoyed being a wife, mother, and homemaker. Lucille never missed a game, school play or concert in which her kids were involved. When it came to her family, Lucille was fearless. She even tried learning how to ski at age 47, to be with her children.

Generous and easy going, Lucille always had a smile on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes. She was a thoughtful and gentle soul who never judged and had a kind word for just about everyone. Family gatherings, family vacations, and holidays, especially Christmas, made Lucille the happiest.

Lucille had an affinity for making something out of nothing and was gifted with a needle and thread. From making clothes and costumes for her children (and their GI Joes and Barbie dolls), to exquisite embroidery works, elaborate knit sweaters, and amazing quilts, Lucille created many treasures that will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

While Lucille did not care much for preparing meals, she enjoyed baking. At Christmastime, Lucille would bake thousands of cookies from scratch, continuing the tradition from her childhood, using the same old German recipes her mother used. Everybody wanted a tray of her cookies as their Christmas gift.

Lucille also cherished her many friends and was active in her community. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Church and taught religious education. Lucille was also a member of the Ridgefield Embroiderers Guild, the secretary of the Ridgefield AARP chapter, a Ridgefield Thrift Shop volunteer, and a docent at the Keeler Tavern.

Lucille is survived by her loving children: James Delany; Patrick Delany and his wife, Anne; Jody Carfi and her husband, George; and Jeanne Clutter and her husband, David. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Sean Delany, Chelsey (Clutter) Beckham, Victoria (Clutter) Paige, Thomas Delany, Calla Delany, Chloe Delany, Carina Carfi, and great granddaughter Allie Beckham. In addition to her husband, Lucille was predeceased by her grandson, EJ Carfi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Guests must sign up in advance online or by calling the church office at (203) 438-7292. Attendance is limited to 50 guests; facial coverings and social distancing are mandatory for those in attendance at the mass. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Ridgefield. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider a donation to the charities that were important to Lucille such as The Ridgefield Thrift Shop, and debra of America, which supports research on Epidermolysis Bullosa and provides resources to patient families. Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of arrangements.