Nell Parisi

Nell Parisi, a lifetime resident of New Haven, returned to her Heavenly Father peacefully on April 8, 2025 at the age of 97, surrounded by her loving family at home. She was born June 30, 1927 in New Haven to Stanley and Paranka (Stec) Ottenbreit. Nell is survived by her three devoted children; Mark Parisi of Branford, Neile Parisi of New Haven and Michael Parisi (Ann) of Northford along with five grandchildren she adored; Maegan Barucci (Frank), Mark Parisi Jr. (Kelly), Michael Parisi Jr. (Irina Majstrova), Matthew Parisi (Cailin Williams) and Joseph Parisi (Lindsey). She is also survived by her nine great grandchildren; Francesca Barucci, Gabriella Barucci, Mark Parisi III, James Parisi, Maria Parisi, Caterina Parisi, Mikhail Majstrov, Sasha Majstrov and Kayla Parisi, sister-in-law, Margie Ottenbreit and numerous nieces/nephews.

Nell is the last survivor of her immediate family, she is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 40 years, Joseph Paul Parisi (1988) and siblings; Dwight Ottenbreit, Robert Ottenbreit, Joseph Ottenbreit, Henry Ottenbreit, Anne Hoffman, June Wells, Emily Culliton, Mary Rice, George Ottenbreit and Nellie Ottenbreit.

Besides being an outstanding daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was also the best sister, sister-in-law, friend and exceptional neighbor.

As a child she was obedient and perfected her farming skills becoming the "keeper of the chickens." Always a model student she had perfect attendance throughout her school years. While in high school she participated in sports and was the Captain of the basketball team for three years. Her claim to fame was scoring 13 points in a single game!! She was also the captain of the tennis team and earned the OUTSTANDING FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD, She was an avid tennis fan, and enjoyed watching Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic play. She also adored Tiger Woods, hoping to meet him one day.

Nell dreamed of going to "University" but life presented another option. That is when she met Joseph Parisi the love of her life, her future boss and eventually her husband. Joe taught her a love for Opera, the horses, and great food. After raising her three children, she accepted a position as a telephone operator with SNET in 1962, she worked for 25 years retiring as a supervisor in TSPS in 1987. Nell brought people together always sharing her talents and bounty and making them feel safe and loved. This is evidenced in her family. Everyone loved her, respected her, and wanted to be like "Nana". Nell was a gourmet cook, a proficient gardener, a Docent at the Peabody Museum, and an adventurous traveler stating Montreal as one of her favorite cities. Also an accomplished Quilter, she even won an honorable mention in the LANDS END QUILTING CONTEST, and she proudly displayed her certificate. Following her husband's death, she spent 18 months hand quilting a blue and white quilt entitled "Shades of Blue". She participated in selling hundreds of handmade items at craft fairs and took great pleasure in sharing her talents. She loved the Lord, her country, and her family. She was a true American often playing patriotic songs on her harmonica. She lived through two world wars, the depression, poverty, eighteen presidents and the passing of her mother, father, ten siblings, and a son.

Nell's life was one of service to the LORD, her husband, her family and country. She is mostly remembered as a woman who loved the people around her and the gift of life itself. She remained productive despite many health challenges. She fought for and valued each day of her life and continued to teach us LOVE. We celebrate her life of love and service and will miss her dearly and love her always. Her favorite quote was "I AM STILL LEARNING".

Family will receive friends on Tuesday April 15, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday April 16 at 11 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East haven with Committal to follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven. Donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka Kansas 66675-8516 in memory of Nell Parisi.