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Surrounded by her family at home in Westbrook, Violet DeLano peacefully departed this life on Nov. 11. Born in Middletown in 1931, Violet was the daughter of the late Jennie (Faraci) and Frank Nocera. Violet leaves behind three children, Donna Hotkowski (Westbrook), Sheri and Bob Stalsburg (Westbrook), and Jim DeLano, Jr. (Deep River). She raised her family with the love of her life, the late Jim DeLano, to whom she was married for 58 years.

Violet and Jim created a beautiful and successful life together that included several entrepreneurial venturesin both Connecticut and Florida, including restaurants (the Deep River Inn) and assisted living centers. These businesses were built on hard work and dedication, traits they passed on to their family, inspiring many others to pursue their own dreams of business ownership.

Violet adored her six grandchildren, Britany Stalsburg and Chuck Fritch (East Haven), Eric and Christine Stalsburg (Madison), Kelly Stalsburg and Anthony Quinn (East Haven), Nick Hotkowski and Katie Hotkowski (both of Westbrook), and Aulden DeLano (Deep River). Additionally, she took immense pleasure in being a great-grandmother to Dean and Della Fritch-Stalsburg. She is also predeceased by her sister Amelia (Mimi) Cart and is survived by a brother, Frank Nocera, Jr., of Ivoryton. She was “Antie Vi” to two special nieces, Robin Ucich (Old Saybrook) and Jodi and Mark Young (Westbrook). Violet also leaves behind a big extended family, including aunts and uncles, cousins, and other loved ones.

A classic Italian grandmother, Violet loved cooking basta ca zasa, making her opinion known (positive or negative!), and looking out for her family no matter what. As she got older, she displayed a type of unconditional acceptance in people that meant the world to those whose lives she touched. If you came to her with a problem, she would reassure you in a way that made you feel that whatever you were doing, you were OK just the way you are. She developed a “don’t sweat the small stuff” attitude that continues to inspire her family today, reminding us that life is precious and to prioritize what really matters. She is now joyfully dancing with her husband Jim in heaven with the angels.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Nov. 15 at St. Joseph Church, Chester. Interment followed at the parish cemetery. To leave share a memory or leave a condolence for Violet’s family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements were by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.