South Windsor Obituary: Edith Stead, 97

Edith "Italia" (Camillo) Stead, 97, of South Windsor, beloved wife of 72 years to Melvin Stead Sr., passed away peacefully at home early Thursday morning September 8, 2016 with her daughters comforting her at her bedside.

She was born to Italian immigrants Guisseppe and Maria (Ternullo) Camillo January 1, 1919 in Willimantic. Raised in a rich Italian heritage by strict but loving parents, her love of music, fun and laughter, love, and above all, family were instilled in her. She passed these values down to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Because her family was poor, Italia was forced to quit high school to work in the famous Willimantic Thread Mills to help support the family.

She met her husband-to-be at Miller's dance hall in Manchester, where they loved to dance, just before Melvin's enlistment in WWII. On a surprise weekend leave Italia became a war bride February 10, 1944. At the end of the war, the couple moved to South Windsor. They have remained living in South Windsor all of their lives.

Later in her life Edith worked as housekeeping manager at Manchester Memorial Hospital until retirement in 1979. She was a member of the Silk City Chorus and American Legion Auxiliaries, and was a long-time member of the Christian Womens's Group and TOPS.

Edith is survived by her husband Melvin Charles Stead Sr.; her son Melvin C. Stead Jr. and his wife Nuala of South Windsor; her daughters Marie Stead Johannes and her husband William of Ridgeway, SC and Susan Stead White and her husband David of Coventry; her grandchildren Jeannie Westbrook, Jeffrey Stead, Gretchen Bolin, Charles Johannes; as well as 9 adoring great grandchildren. Edith was predeceased by her two brothers Louis and Salvatore Camillo, and her sisters Josephine Rafala, Jane Tuccio, Esther Tormey and Susan Bergeron.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, September 15, 2016 directly at Saint Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Road, South Windsor at 10 am. Burial will follow at Wapping cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Edith's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association , CT Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Ste 4B, Southington, CT, 06489-1058.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.CarmonFuneralHome.com.