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11/30/2021 11:00 PM


Guilford

Amy J. Lentz, born on a sunny June 11, in the year of her choosing, peacefully slipped away into the hands of God on Nov. 26 after a brief illness. Amy was surrounded by the love of her family, under home hospice care.

Amy was the center of her family. Always smiling and vibrant, her heart was as beautiful as her spirit.

But nowhere was Amy more beloved than by her husband of 66 years, Larry. He was the young soldier who stole the heart of the beautiful Amy Buonaguro in the yellow tea rose dress. The rest was history. Amy is survived by her husband Lawrence and her four precious children and their spouses, Karen Magovern and Bob Wilsusen of Manhasset, New York, Greg and Gretchen Lentz of Greer, South Carolina, Cindy and Jonathan Wallace of Guilford, and Jodi and Terrence Crimmins of Natick, MA.

She was the adored grandmother of Maggie and Adam Szmidt; John and Katie Magovern; Laura and Eric Hynes; Rachel and Andrew Lentz; Justin, Connor, and Austin Wallace; and Ian and Harper Crimmins. She was the incredible great-grandmother to Hannah May and Lily Jane Szmidt, Evelyn Grace, and John Christopher Magovern and to many more to come.

Holding a special place in her heart for the love and kindness of Sophia Kelleher, Jaime Conway, and Erica Vicino.

Amy left her successful career as an executive secretary with MONY in Manhattan to start her family with Larry.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Maspeth, Queens, Amy and Larry ventured out to Old Bethpage, Long Island in 1957 to raise their family, embracing the suburban boom. Amy and Larry fostered the family’s strong ties to St. Pius X in Plainview and participated in The Rosary Society. Amy embarked upon a creative artistic outlet in oil and watercolor painting. Her inspiration was nurtured by her instructor and dear friend, the late Barbara Sugarman of Great Neck, New York. Amy continued her love of the arts throughout her life.

Ultimately, Amy and Larry relocated to Guilford in 1979. Her passion for art continued by attending the Shoreline School of the Arts & Music in Branford and volunteering at The Guilford Arts Center. Amy was a communicant of St. George Church in Guilford.

Amy’s passions included traveling, antiquing, trips to Mohegan Sun, and hosting parties for family, friends, and neighbors. Amy naturally connected with people in a sincere and heartfelt way. A dedicated “Shop Local” supporter before it was trendy, Amy appreciated each individual’s contribution to their business and understood the importance of community.

In her final act of mothering, Amy eased our pain with wisdom and kind words, bravely laying out support for our path forward. Her selfless love will see us through.

Special thanks to those who cared for Amy during her final weeks—the caregivers at The Guilford House, the incredible staff at Saint Raphael’s ER and MICU, Susie, Claire, and Cathi and VNA Hospice nurses Lori and Angela. Thank you for caring for Mom with kindness, grace, and love.

A Mass of Christina burial was celebrated on Dec. 1 at St. George Church, Guilford. Burial was at St. George Cemetery, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to The VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice Donations to the VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice, 753 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200, Guilford or The Guilford Arts Center at Donations to the Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford, CT 06437. Arrangements were in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.