Dianne C. Muzio's Obituary
Dianne (Collette) Muzio, 80, of Stafford Springs, CT, wife of the late Benjamin A. Muzio for 47 years, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017. She was born in Stafford Springs, CT, daughter of the late Alfred and Norma (Fontanella) Collette. Dianne was the mother of Mitchell Muzio and Marina Hatch, and had two beloved grandchildren, Kate and Adam Hatch. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Nina, nephew, Jesse, nieces Chrystal and Nicole, two very special friends for over 65 years, Barbara Frassinelli and her husband Gordon, and Lorraine Pinatti, her dear friend and caregiver, Laurie McKenney, a dear close cousin, Laura Rose and her husband Doug, many other cousins, and a constant friend of many years, Paula (Julian) Fontanella. She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Collette. Dianne was good natured and a volunteer. All will remember Dianne as a volunteer extraordinaire. Although she was unable to drive, she used her telephone for fundraising and depended on friends to drive when necessary. She and her husband were very involved in Stafford and State Democratic politics, which she loved. You could always find her working at the polls on Election Day (bringing food for workers as well). Dianne was a great cook and baked goodies for everybody. Her recipes can be found in many local cookbooks, and in her dad’s family Collette cookbook. She was a member of Stafford Fire Department No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary and its secretary for 40 years, every year outselling everyone for tickets for their famous chicken BBQ and their birthday calendar fundraiser. Dianne was a former president of the Stafford Women’s Club for nine years. She and four club members renovated what is currently known as the Ben Muzio building, which is the oldest voting place in Connecticut. She was active in state and local levels in fundraising for the American Cancer Society. As a young mother, she was a volunteer for many years at Evergreen Health Care Center, serving at a tea and coffee hour (and fun conversation) with many of the residents who looked forward to her visits. In her later years, suffering a stroke on her left side, she joined the residents at Evergreen becoming a “bright star”, always cheerful and straight talking (her mantra being “I always tell it like it is” and she did). She was active in all the great games they have for patients, and was often found visiting other patients in her wheelchair. Her aides and nurses became actual friends and loved her. A calling hour will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 9:15 -10:15 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at St. Edward Church, 55 High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in Staffordville Cemetery, Staffordville, CT. Always aware of the need to help youths, Dianne requested memorial donations be made to the Benjamin Muzio Fund, Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of Stafford, c/o Rose Rosczcewski, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT 06076, or to Stafford Fire Department No. 1, P.O. Box 147, Staffordville, CT 06077. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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