Sylvia Velilla, 83, of Berlin CT., died Friday, September 30, 2016 at Glastonbury Health Care Center. Sylvia was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico and was the daughter of the late Prudencio and Carmen (Martinez) Velilla and spent her childhood in Bayamon. She earned her undergraduate degree from and was employed by the University of Puerto Rico. Sylvia moved to Connecticut in 1970 and earned her Doctorate degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She served as a Special Education Consultant for the State of Connecticut specializing in compliance where she demonstrated her compassion and determination to help students with disabilities gain access to special education services. Always fond of the warmer climate, upon retirement she moved to Naples, FL. In the past few years, Sylvia returned to Connecticut to live near family. She will be remembered as a strong and accomplished woman, who set an example for many through her dedication to family and her intellectual pursuits. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sylvia was a talented seamstress. A world traveler, always willing to go on a new adventure. She will be remembered for her love of conversation and education, her interest in making friends from around the world, her appreciation and respect for different cultures, as well as the traditional meals she prepared with love for her family and friends.
Sylvia is survived by her two daughters, Vilma Ortega and her husband Tommaso Catricala of Glastonbury, CT., and Sonia Ortega of Naples, FL, her two grandsons Andrew Altamirano, Stefan Altamirano and wife Larissa, and her great-grandson Aiden. Her two sisters Nancy and Evelyn, her two brothers Prudencio and Jose Enrique. She will also be fondly remembered by many siblings, nephews and nieces in Puerto Rico and in Florida.
A Celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 6 p.m. from the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Directions to funeral home - I-84 east or west – exit 37 (Fienemann Rd) right off exit – one mile down on right. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to NBHS, c/o PACE Program, 110 Mill St., New Britain, CT 06051. To extend condolences to the Velilla family or to share a memory of Sylvia, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com
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