Allyson Marie Cleary

1971 - 2018

Old Lyme - Allyson Marie Cleary of Old Lyme passed away on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at her home.

Allyson "Aly" was born Nov. 4, 1971, in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of Joseph G. Cleary of Old Lyme and Denice L. (Bagley) Emery- Ferrero of Agawam, Mass.

Growing up Aly was involved in several different activities such as dance classes and baton twirling amateur competitions. She completed her elementary education at Holy Cross School in New Britain before moving back to Agawam with her parents.

Aly was a 1989 graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, Mass. and in 1993 earned her associate's degree as a legal assistant from Bay Path College in Longmeadow, Mass. While a student at Bay Path, Aly was very involved in the theater department working behind the scenes and was considered a great asset to the success of the productions.

She was employed for many years at Greenberg Traurig law firm in Orlando, Fla., before moving to Philadelphia, Pa. It was there that she also developed a love for writing and cooking. Ultimately, Aly was able to turn her passions into real life success when she became the founder and publisher of the well known blog, "Cooking In Stilettos."

Some of Aly's most treasured moments include her time spent on and with her Dancin' on Air/Dance Party USA friends, her law/music/cooking and PR friends with whom she had maintained lifelong friendships.

Allyson is survived by her mother and father; her maternal grandmother, Mary Bagley of Agawam; her uncle and aunt, David and Deya Cleary of California; her stepfather, Michael Ferrero; her stepbrother and stepsister; her many loving nieces and nephews; her love pug, Jeffie and her feisty feline, Shadow.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington St., New London. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pug Rescue of Florida at www.pugrescueofflorida.org.