Alfea (Neri) Schwanda's Obituary
Alfea (Neri) Schwanda, 98, died Saturday, February 21, 2015. She was born November 28, 1916 in Stafford, CT to Ignazio 'Louis' Neri and Alessandrina (Talamini) Neri. She attended the local public schools and in 1938 graduated from American International College in Springfield, MA. She later earned her Masters Degree in Education from the Willimantic State Teachers College. She taught third grade at the Staffordville Elementary School for over 26 years. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Robert B. Schwanda, Sr., her sister, Dawn Dugas, of North Carolina and her brother, Kenneth Neri, of West Virginia. During her lifetime, Alfea was a member and past president of the Stafford Women's Club and a Girl Scout Leader. She took up jogging in her middle fifties and for many years participated in the annual 'Run for Life' American Heart Association fundraiser. About this same time, she and her husband took an interest in mountain climbing and climbed all but a few of the 4,000-foot peaks in the White Mountain range. She climbed Mount Monadnock at the age of 75. She and her husband delivered Meals on Wheels in the Town of Stafford and also assisted with the transportation needs of campers attending Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang camp in Ashford, CT. She was a long time blood donor having donated over seven gallons to the American Red Cross. Her remaining family includes son Robert B. Schwanda, Jr. and his wife, Fran, of Willington, CT; daughter Nancy S. Kida of Monson, MA; son Brian G. Schwanda and his wife, Nancy, of Stafford, CT; and daughter Judith L. Schwanda of Stafford, CT. She also leaves four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 from 5-7 P.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial in Stafford Street Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT, will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stafford Library Association, 10 Levinthal Run, Stafford Springs, CT 06076. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
What’s your fondest memory of Alfea?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alfea?
Share a story where Alfea's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alfea you’ll never forget.
How did Alfea make you smile?