Mafalda Anne (DeStefano) Simmons

Mafalda DeStefano Simmons, born March 24, 1930 in Essex, CT to Sicilian immigrants Sante and Carmella (Bombaci) DeStefano who were originally from Messina.  Mafalda (“Muffie”) went to be with her Lord on August 23, 2021.  She attended Pratt High School in Essex where she was active in many school clubs and sports teams.  She graduated from the Middlesex Hospital School of Nursing and was a Registered Nurse.  She worked at Middlesex Hospital and later at the Lutheran Home in Middletown and Elm Hill Rest Home in Rocky Hill where she was known for her compassion and dedication to the homes’ residents in her care.  In 1951, Muffie married Robert Simmons of Middletown who was her partner, husband and friend for nearly 70-years.  Together they raised five children, and taught each to be self-sufficient, honest and hardworking. She was a caring and loving mother and role model.  Muffie was active in her community and church attending the South Congregational Church in Middletown and most recently the Bethany Covenant Church in Berlin.  She had a love for gardening both flowers and vegetables, which were enjoyed by family and friends.  She once took woodworking classes and used these skills to restore antiques and create household furniture still in use.  Sewing and knitting were also one of her passions – making clothing for herself, family and friends.  Many people benefited from sweaters, caps, blankets and mittens knitted lovingly by Muffie. 

Along with her husband, Muffie who was a wonderful mother is survived by a daughter Patricia (Cliff), and sons Scott (Kathy), Gregg (Rebecca), Jeffrey (Inge) and Peter (Linda).  In addition, she is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After a long and happy life, Muffie passed quietly and returned home to her Lord.

        Funeral services will be held on Friday September 3 at 11:00 am at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill Street, Berlin. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00.  A private graveside will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in Muffie’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Resource Center of CT, 1261 South Main Street, Plantsville, CT 06479. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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