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Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street

Niantic, Connecticut

Delma Estey Obituary

East Lyme - This is to sadly announce the untimely passing of Delma (Facchini) Estey, 84, a 41 year Niantic resident, on Thursday, June, 14, 2018, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, surrounded by her family.

Delma was the wife of Roger Estey for more than 60 years, during which time they raised their three children, Stephan Estey, Denise Estey-Smith and David Estey, all surviving. She and Roger were both honorable members of The Greatest Generation, which put family and friends before all else, with a strong work ethic. Delma worked when she was younger, but once the children came along she assumed her role as mother and took to it like a calling. She did whatever was necessary as a mother without question or complaint, as her parents Mario Facchini and Teresa Giombetti-Facchini had done for her, and their other six children, after her birth in Framingham, Mass. Delma was also a loyal friend and "institution" at her two favorite homes away from home, The East Lyme Senior Center and Flander's McDonald's, where she participated in numerous programs and trips and was endeared to many. Her positive attitude and readily available smile were her calling cards and will be greatly missed. Delma was a "Bright Light" in the world with a sense of discovery and the spirit of a child. In her later years, she happily participated in all life had to offer and enjoyed life to her fullest extent.

Her six grandchildren, Brenton R. Estey, Kyle Estey, Jessica Smith, Julia Smith, Ella Estey and Olivia Estey, were her pride and joy, and survive her. Delma is also survived by her brother, Evo Facchini of Framingham, Mass.; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; and close friends from childhood and adulthood alike, in Connecticut, Massachusetts and elsewhere.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Bobby Malzone, her nephew, Drs. Martinez, Hader and Atar of St. Francis Hospital, Danielle and Kathy of The Hoffman Heart Clinic, her cardiologist Dr. Brill, and the staff at L+M Hospital Emergency and CCU for all their efforts and assistance in enhancing and extending Delma's quality of life. Well Done! A special thank you is also extended to her G.P., Dr. Suresh Dmello and staff, for their care, comfort, friendship and lifesaving efforts, without which, we would not have had these extra months. Thank You! We would also like to thank all those who befriended and loved her in the community. You were instrumental in creating and maintaining the quality and richness of her life. This meant more to Delma than you may know. Keep doing what you are doing.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 25, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. The funeral procession will assemble at 10:15 a.m. June 26, at the funeral home and proceed to St. Agnes Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in East Lyme Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jun. 21, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Delma Estey

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.

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Susan Bancroft

June 15, 2025

Thinking of you Delma, heaven was blessed by your presence. Say hi to my Mom, Helen. She would be bossing every one around. LOL

Dave

June 13, 2025

Time Flies Mom, everyone is growing up - Here's a picture for you. Have a restful peace at least till I get there...

Susan Bancroft

June 11, 2019

Thinking of you today Delma, today is the 23rd anniversary of my Mom's passing, I hope you met up with her, you both are really special women, I miss you both...

David Estey

June 27, 2018

Happy Birthday!

Susan Bancroft

June 23, 2018

During my time working the Senior Nutrition Program (02-05) , Delma faithfully volunteered with always a smile and enthusiasm. She also volunteered to help with the dances on Friday nights that are held at the Center with me until I left in 2016. What a pleasure it was to watch and listen as she danced and sang along with the band. I adored her. RIP Delma, I will always remember you.

Alice Welsh

June 23, 2018

Delma,

I will miss sitting next to you at bingo. That advice you gave me was the best ever

Candy Marien

June 23, 2018

Dear Roger and Family,

I was heartbroken to hear the news of Delma's passing. She was a wonderful person who will be missed by all who knew her.

Delma's smile was infectious, her energy and zest for life remarkable, and her love for family and friends was abundant. May the memories that you have of her bring you comfort during these difficult times. I consider myself blessed to have had her as my friend.

June 22, 2018

With great sadness I am reading Delma's obituary. I am in Florida, heading home in a few days, and was looking forward to seeing Delma. My deepest condolences to her family. Delma was truly a one of a kind woman and will be missed. A friend from East Lyme Parks and Rec,

Sharon Colonis

Morning Aerobics - Halloween 2014

Ginny

June 22, 2018

Delma - Such a Fun Person!

Ginny

June 22, 2018

Lillian Scaplen

June 21, 2018

Delma You Will be missed so very much All of us at the Senior Center will miss you

June 21, 2018

Rest in Peace Mom, you will forever be in our hearts..

Love, David, Theresa, Kyle, Ella and Olivia

June 21, 2018

Roger & family,

I am very saddened by my friends Delma going to heaven. Delma was a very happy, loving person to all people whom she met
and so full of life.
I worked with Delma in the past with Act Now.
Many memories you have to keep with you all.
WONDERFUL!!!!
Will really miss her!!!

Steve

June 21, 2018

To all those of Delma's friends and family from Framingham, Hopkinton, Wayland and elsewhere in Mass., you were in her heart and mind always. We had fond memories and numerous conversations about, The Malzones's, Facchini's, Estey's, Buckleys, Pluckers, Eva and Pal, the Besozzi's, Brattica's and many others. Some of ours and Delma's most cherished moments in life were spent with you and she never forget. Thank You all. With continued love and respect, we are,
The Estey Family

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Memorial Events
for Delma Estey

Jun

25

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

Jun

26

Funeral

10:15 a.m.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

Jun

26

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Agnes Church

MA

Funeral services provided by:

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

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