Phyllis Theresa Fecteau

Phyllis Theresa (Paradis) Fecteau, 95, of Kensington, beloved wife of the late Clement J. Fecteau, entered eternal rest with her family by her side, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Phyllis' wish was to be able to pass at home, and Tommy and Suzanne were able to provide her with that last wish. Born on April 21, 1930, in Hartford, to the late Louis and Solfride "Sally" (Frageau) Paradis, Phyllis grew up in Torrington and graduated from Torrington High School. The family then moved to New Britain and Phyllis's first job was a buyer for D&L, in New Britain. It was shortly after that she met the love of her life, Clement. They were married on May 30, 1955, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, in New Britain, and soon settled in Kensington, where they raised a loving family of five children: Michele, Peter, Stephen, Suzanne and Thomas. A devoted stay-at-home mother, Phyllis dedicated herself to her family and her community. She was active as a Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girl leader, and from the moment she joined St. Paul Church, in 1958, she gave generously of her time and labor. She used to starch and iron the church linens, she was a lector, usually at the Saturday, 4 p.m. mass, she was a money counter for the church's weekend mass donations, she was awarded the "St. Joseph Metal" in 2006. In 1989 she created the "St. Paul's Rosary Makers" mission, where they handmade well over one million rosaries over the years. She loved baking and would make decorated cakes for the friar's birthday. Her faith and service were constant; it was a labor of love. St. Paul Parish held a sacred place in her heart. As her children got older, she sold Sarah Coventry Jewelry at in-house demonstrations. After the unexpected passing of her husband Clement, in 1981, Phyllis courageously entered the work force. She worked with grace and resilience. She worked as a unit secretary on N-5 and N-3, at New Britain General Hospital, where she remained until her retirement in 1999. Never one to slow down Phyllis continued to work part-time in the funeral business at New Britain Memorial Funeral Home, assisting with calling hours. She also volunteered enthusiastically with AARP, planning group trips and social events. She is the last surviving member of the St. Theresa Mothers Circle, the Red Hat Society, St. Paul Ladies Guild, the New Britain Council of Catholic Woman.In addition to her beloved husband Clement, Phyllis is predecease by her son, Stephen J. Fecteau; her grandson, Tyler C. Bruschino; her sister, Paula Leone, and brother-in-law, William Leone; her brother-in-law Fred McKone; and her nephew, David McKone. Phyllis leaves a legacy of love and faith. She is survived by her children: Michele Murray and her husband John, of Newington, Peter Fecteau and his wife Shari, of South Yarmouth, Mass. Suzanne Fecteau of Portland, and Thomas Fecteau of Kensington: her sister Janet McKone of Bloomfield. They were like two peas in a pod. People often thought they were twins. They had a special relationship, and they spoke to each other every night. She also leaves her son-in-law Kenneth R. Pescatello, of New Britain. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition Phyllis leaves Grandchildren Charlene Fecteau and great-grandson Auggie Albert, Anthony and Heather Bruschino, and great-grandson Mason, Danielle and Daniel Donahue, and great-granddaughter Madison, Nichole Bruschino and great-granddaughter, Sofia, and great-grandson Vincent, Kelsey Fecteau and Steve Skaff and great- grand sons Avery and Jackson Solomon, Breanna Fecteau and Alex Estes, and great- granddaughter Winne, Justin Grabenbauer and Aleja, and great-grandson Lucas, Kristin and Rick Crowell and finally Isaiah Pescatello, Noah Pescatello and Lucas Pescatello. Phyllis also leaves a host of loving nieces and nephews, that she truly adored, she loved each and every one of them.
As we prepare ourselves to say goodbye to Phyllis, the following is the schedule of upcoming events. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul Church, 467 Alling St., Kensington, followed by the burial at Maple Cemetery in Berlin where she will be lovingly laid to rest with her husband Clement and her son Stephen. Family and friends may call on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin,111 Chamberlan Highway, Berlin, Connecticut, and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to her funeral. Donations in Phylli's name may be made to St. Paul Church. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, CT. 06010, is honored to serve the family.