Alicia Mary Meli

Alicia “Lee” Mary (McGaunn) Meli, 92, of Wethersfield, CT, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024. Lee was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, the daughter of Walter and Mary McGaunn.  Lee is survived by her devoted daughter Alicia (Meli) Cornelio and her husband David Cornelio of Wethersfield, CT, son David Meli of Keene, New Hampshire, grandson Geoffrey Cornelio and his wife Justine Cornelio of Rocky Hill, CT, and great-grandson Landon Cornelio. She was predeceased by husband John Meli and son Stephen Meli. Lee spent many years as a telephone receptionist at Catholic Family Services in Hartford, CT. She was a lifelong advocate for Autism research. She spearheaded the movement to close large institutions and create the group home system in Connecticut at a time when it was a new concept. An avid reader, she was a regular patron of the Wethersfield Library. The family would like to thank the staff of Water’s Edge for their excellent care at the end of her life. Funeral services will be private. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date. 

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