Phyllis C. Garavel

GARAVEL, Phyllis C. (DeFranco) Phyllis C. (DeFranco) Garavel died on Saturday (October 25, 2008). She was the widow of Bob Garavel and daughter of the late Fillipina and Salvatore DeFranco. Phyllis was born in Georgetown on October 4, 1926. She was a graduate of Ridgefield High School and Western Connecticut State University (Formerly Danbury State Teachers College) Phyllis loved her time at West Conn and was even elected "Dean of Men" in 1948. Her teaching career began in East Hartford, then moving to Bedford Elementary School in Westport. She spent the last 17 years of her career teaching Kindergarten at Park Avenue School in Danbury. Being a teacher, mother and grandmother were passions in her life. Phyllis loved to read and never met a crossword puzzle that was too challenging for her. She will be remembered as a poet, family historian and an inspiration to many. Phyllis became an avid golfer and enjoyed the love of many friends. She volunteered for Regional Hospice of Danbury and the Danbury Hospital where many school children enjoyed her tours. Phyllis is survived by her sons, Paul Garavel of Redding, Mark S. Garavel and his partner Kenneth J. Carifa of New Britain and grandchildren: Lindsay, Justin and Jeremy Garavel and Caitlin, Matthew and Michael Terry. Also surviving are a brother, Charles DeFranco and his wife Sue of Danbury, a sister, Grace Iannone of Southington, sisters-in-law Veronica DeFranco and Rosalie Garavel, and a brother-in-law Gerald Garavel and his wife Mary Jane, daughter-in-law, Robin Garavel, and son-in-law, Kenneth Terry, several nieces and nephews especially, Nina Kilcourse, Sam DeFranco and David DeFranco and her two best college friends Betty Ann and Sibbie. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Lisa Terry, and her brothers, Russell and Nana DeFranco. Paul and Mark wish to thank the staff at Meadow Ridge for the compassionate care provided to their mother. Phyllis loved children and had great concern for their well being. Therefore her family asks that donations in her memory be made to the Hanahoe Memorial Children's Clinic, 205 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Church, Main Street, Danbury on Wednesday October 29th, time to be announced. Burial will be private. Calling hours are Tuesday evening 4-8 p.m. at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury is in charge of arrangements. To light a candle of hope and remembrance please visit our website at www.CornellMemorial.com