Delma Estey

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.