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Sylvia Amatruda, known affectionately as “Nana,” passed away on Nov. 17 at the age of 91. Sylvia was born in Hamden on June 18, 1926, the daughter of the late Pasquale and Clementine Belenardo.

She leaves behind a large, loving family of six children, Jane Emmons of Guilford, Susan Forrester (Bruce) of Mill Valley, California, Dr. Joseph A. Amatruda, Jr., (Joan) of Guilford, Julie Rowbotham (Gardner) of Guilford, Michael Amatruda (Debra) of Guilford, and Robert Amatruda (Susan) of Boston, MA. She also leave nine grandchildren, Alexandra Emmons, Andrew Emmons, Dr. Jonathan Amatruda (Frances), Matthew Amatruda, Kathryn Amatruda, Thea Forrester, Harrison Rowbotham, Marissa Amatruda, and Rachael Amatruda.

She is predeceased by her husband Joseph Anthony Amatruda, her brother William Belenardo, and her sister Jane Belenardo. She will be missed by her sister-in-law Barbara Amatruda of Groton, her youngest brother Louis Belenardo (Sally) of Branford, and her nephews William Belenardo, Jr., (Janine) of Guilford, Paul Belenardo of Los Angeles, California, and Roy Belenardo (Karen) of Branford.

Most of all, Sylvia was devoted to her children and grandchildren. She lived a happy life, blessed with a full 91 years of good health. She was always a vibrant and involved matriarch with a deeply generous spirit. She spent many Sundays in Little Harbor surrounded by her family, laughing and enjoying a meal. She also loved pets, spending many afternoons with a little white shitzu named Molly asleep at her side. When her children were out of the house, she went to work as a nanny bringing her “baby whispering” skills to another grateful family.

She lived in New Haven for most of her married life and, after spending many happy summers in Little Harbor, became a permanent Guilford resident in 1976.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Westside Cemetery, 42 Three Mile Course, Guilford. Memorial contributions can be made to St. George Catholic Church. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.