Mildred L. Neri

Mildred L. Neri, 95, passed peacefully in her sleep at Wolcott Hall in Torrington on Monday, February 2, 2026. Born December 4, 1930, at her family home in Nepaug; the daughter of the late Vincent and Florence (Smith) Follert.

Mildred worked at Hitchcock Chair Company in Riverton and New Hartford for over 30 years. Taking pride for her contribution to the furniture manufacturing industry providing beautiful heirlooms for loving homes. Once retired, she dedicated as much time as she could caring for her great-grandchild Asia.

Mildred always enjoyed spending time on the phone chatting with family, friends and coworkers. Deborah Etchengary (her niece) would have lengthy conversations, allowing a connection to family and current events. When she wasn't chatting on the phone, she devoured many biographies and historical books. But her real thirst was for trash magazines, celebrity gossip, and reality television shows like the Kardashians.

Always up for a drive to visit the ocean, lighthouses or a Yankees game, conversation always came easy no matter how long the drive was. A memorable trip with her daughter Karen and her husband Bob to see - The Grand Ole Opry, Dolly Wood, and visit with Cynthia King in Tennessee was part of her highlight reel to share with others. Taking drives to the countryside with her daughter Karen reminiscing about Mildred's childhood was also a favorite. Being Tracy's Friday night dinner date was something she looked forward to every other week. The trip to Block Island with Tracy, learning the islands history, was something they both remember fondly.

Every year she looked forward to spending Christmas Eve and the Fourth of July at her daughter Kathleen's and Michael's home in Torrington. She also always expressed how honored she was to be invited over to her daughter Joanne's and Jamie's home, enjoying intimate concerts by one of their dear friends.

Another trip she would talk about, going to Niagara Falls with her daughter Christine. She especially loved a day out with the girls Asia, Angie and Christine going on adventures, trying new sweets and shopping.

Sadly, she leaves behind four daughters, Karen Neri of Torrington; Kathleen Longhi (Michael) of Dewey, AZ; Joanne Gregg (Jamie) of Canton and Christine Aloma of Canton; her most beloved granddaughter, caretaker, and advocate, Tracy Armstrong (Ralph Reed) and Tinkerbell her Chihuahua, of New Hartford; as well as two grandsons, Justin Aloma of Collinsville and Matthew Aloma of Michigan; one great-granddaughter, Asia Aloma; brother, Vincent Follert (Regina) of Nepaug; several nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.

She was predeceased by a brother, Paul Follert; sister-in-law, Betty Follert; sister, Eileen Roy; brother-in-law, Ronald Roy, and her nephew, Billy Follert.

The seclusion from Covid took a toll, as it did with many. No longer embracing the activities that once sparked her heart, she relied on Linda Veselic, friend and coworker at Hitchcock Chair, to keep her updated with ongoings in the world while they shared space at Wolcott Hall. The staff honestly adored her. Everyone called her "Grams." The staff took the time to engage with her. Listening to the wild things she would share in the halls day or night. The family is wholeheartedly grateful for the kindness, time and attention staff and volunteers provided. There were some very special individuals that Grams always loved to see. Thank you for your unwavering kindness, love, and compassion. Thank you to the staff at The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital emergency room department. Always making certain she was as comfortable as she could be during her illness. We are grateful for all your efforts and compassion.

A springtime graveside ceremony will be held for family and friends at the Nepaug Cemetery. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.