Phoebe Ann Vecchia

Vecchia, Phoebe Ann
Phoebe Ann Vecchia arrived on the Winter Solstice, December 22, 1921, in Boston to Armstrong and Catherine Irving. Born at the seasonal return of the Light, our mother, mother in law, and grandmother, shone the light of compassion, comfort, friendship, forgiveness, generosity, hospitality, kindness, patience, selfless service, and support to us and to all who were graced to meet her. Her vitality and curiosity for living lit up every encounter with her open heart, extended hand of welcome, and joyful spirit. We celebrate the gift of sharing her overflowing love and will practice her example of faith. Her 92 years young, gentle soul departed for Heaven in the beautiful Light of softly falling snow on February 5, 2014. We will cherish her always.
Raised by Irish emigrant parents with whom she shared a lifelong bond, her family included sisters Ruthie and Kay and brother Billy. Sister Ruth's convent brought Phoebe Ann the blessing of friendships with other nuns. She is also deceased by her husband Dan, son Danny and daughter Nancy.
She enjoyed being a medical secretary at Brigham Women's and Children's Hospital in Boston. Her adventurous ways led to a blind date, WW 2 courtship and marriage to Daniel Vecchia on November 7, 1943. Her generous nature lead 5 friends to wear her wedding dress. Her starring roles in life were being a wife, the mother of 10 and grandmother of 20. Raising their family in MA, RI and CT, she was a caring neighbor and community member. Everywhere, these sweethearts enjoyed ballroom dancing. Her survivors are son: David; daughters: Moriah, Marian (Micky), Phyllis (Barney), J (John), Ruthie, Katy (Daniel), and Joan. Grandchildren who adored their Grannie: Dan, Eric, Kelly, Elliott, Daniel, Zoe, Dominica, Christopher, Kathleen, David, Kathleen, Olivia,Sam, Sarah, Jess, Lauren, Melanie, Kaela, Skyla, Allyson. She is also survived by sister in law: Mary, daughter in law: Doris, extended family and friends, especially Vi.
After 46 years of marriage, and still calling each other Honey, she loved to show the cards that her Dan gave on the 7th of each month; also telling her daughters that not all men were like that ! In later years, they enjoyed European trips, Caribbean cruises, and cross country drives. She relished Misquamicut, RI beach vacations, California travels, train trips to D.C, and family festivities. Phoebe Ann loved being Granny, trees and flower gardens, singing, reading, poetry, sewing, friendships at the Senior Center. One year there, she made 10 Christmas trees in the ceramic shop for each of her children !
In this lifetime of opening her door to all, she welcomed, and we thank, Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT whose angelic helpers provided her with loving care and companionship in the closing chapters of life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Regional Hospice or to The Bethel Senior Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, Bethel, CT, Thursday morning at 11:00. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel. After the burial, all are welcome to the luncheon gathering for food, song and the sharing of memories and stories to celebrate the life and legacy of our precious Phoebe Ann.
There are no calling hours. Bethel Funeral Home, Bethel is handling arrangements. Information and on-line condolences at Hullfuneralservice.com.