Mathilda W. Solimene

Mathilda "Tillie" W. Solimene entered into eternal rest on February 18, 2017, at Salmon Brook Health Care Center in Glastonbury, CT. She was born on January 22, 1925, in Middletown to the late James and Carrie Beach Waker.Tillie grew up in Hartford, attending Hartford Public High School, and married the love of her life, Nicholas M. Solimene in 1947. Together they raised their family on Park Street in Hartford. Tillie was a devoted homemaker and stay-at-home Mom, but later in life was employed as a paraprofessional by the Hartford Board of Education in 1968. She worked in the Physical Education Department until she retired in 1991. She still kept in touch with many of her cherished friends from HPHS all through the years. Tillie was a very caring person, devoted to her friends and family. She would always check up on people to see how they were doing and was known for the many birthday or anniversary cards she would send annually. The family would always look forward to her spaghetti dinners, chocolate chip and filley cookies, and apple pie. And who can forget the summers camping at Hammonassett State Park and family reunions at her brothers home in New Hartford. Tillie enjoyed doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watching her beloved UConn Women's Basketball Team and the New England Patriots. Tillie is survived by her son, Stephan J. Solimene and his wife Peggy of East Hartford, with whom she resided; her brother Ted Waker and wife Dina of New Hartford; granddaughters: Nikki Rose Arnau of Ormond Beach, FL; Carrie Legorano and husband Luigi of Waterbury; Katie Hart and husband Paul of Ashland, MA; Angela Platt and husband Brian of Wolcott, Dan Solimene of East Hartford; and two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Luigi. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. Tillie was predeceased by her husband Nicholas M. Solimene, Sr., sisters Ethel Mae Waker and Esther Flavin; son Nicholas M. Solimene, Jr., and daughter, Marcia S. Misurelli. The family extends a special thank you to friends Betty, Tom, Helen and Eileen; Joella, Hyacinth, Barbara, Kay, Betty and Wayne, Joann, and June; Tillie's medical providers, especially Dr. Anwar; Salmon Brook Health Care Center staff, especially Renee; MasoniCare Hospice; Luis from Lincare, and Barbara, her in-home health aide. A memorial service will be held for Tillie on Saturday, March 11, at 11:00am at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm Street,Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Family and friends are asked to gather at the funeral home at 10:00am prior to the service to share memories of her life. A private burial will take place after the service. Donations can be made to Holy Family Monastery and Retreat Center, c/o Music Ministry, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT 06107.