Earlene M. Ackerman

1947 - 2021

Earlene M. Ackerman, 74, of Wallingford, wife of the late Dr. Howard Ackerman, passed away peacefully December 6, 2021 at Masonicare.

She was born in Meriden on July 4, 1947, a daughter of the late Earl and Corinne (Lavoie) Fitzsimons. As a teenager, she discovered her love and proclivity for art. Earlene became an accomplished painter, but her artistic gift spread into every aspect of her life. She developed a broad knowledge of garden design, interior design and decoration.

She worked as an office manager, but most prominently as practice manager in her husband's private practice. Her marriage was the cornerstone of her life. She and her husband worked closely together; but they also enjoyed traveling to Europe, and exploring vineyards both nationally and internationally. They lived for family and friends, and they were masters of hospitality to all who came into their lives.

Earlene stayed involved with her step-grandchildren, niece, nephew and her grandnephews. She also became a twice-over godmother to her niece and grandnephew. Her family was foremost in her mind all the time, but equal was the scope of her love for and devotion to those with whom she was friends.

She spent her life filling the world with beauty, whether it was through her art or her capacity of kindness for every living person or creature. She lived a life full of generosity and hospitality and love, and everyone who knew her has been changed for the better.

She is survived by her sister, Donna Jones of Meriden; her niece, Denise Jones of Meriden; her nephew, Christopher Jones and wife Mary of Raynham, MA; and her grand nephews, Zachary, Connor, Thomas and Scott. She is also survived by her stepsons, Mark Ackerman and wife, Laura of Florida, Scott Ackerman and wife, Molly of Texas and Brett Ackerman and wife, Leslie of Florida; her stepdaughter, Stacey Kenny and husband, John of Florida; and her step grandchildren, Erika, Brittan, Mackenzie, Lilly, Jack, Kendall, Peyton, Carsyn, and Parker.

Earlene's family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 9 am until 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday at Holy Angels Church in Meriden. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter or to Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut-Hospice.