Sheila Ann Carparelli

1940 - 2025

New London - Sheila Ann Carparelli, 85, of New London, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at Pendleton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Mystic. She was born in New London Feb. 1, 1940, the daughter of Axel and Mary Murphy Hendrickson. She married Patrick Carparelli Sept. 25, 1976, in St. Paul's Church in Waterford. Patrick passed Jan. 25, 1993.

Sheila was a graduate of New London High School. She had a career of government service at NUSC/NUWC New London starting as a clerk typist, voucher examiner and eventually becoming physical supervisor of the Disbursing Department. She was responsible for overseeing daily operations and staff where she retired in 1996.

After retirement, she became a member of the paraprofessional staff for 11 years in the Waterford school system, working with special needs children, including many years at the Clark Lane Middle School.

Sheila held a genuine and lasting fondness for sports, particularly her New England teams. She was an avid fan and devoted supporter of the UConn women's Huskies, the Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots, following their seasons and achievements with keen interest and regularity. She found great pleasure in watching them play and celebrating their successes.

She will be missed by brother Eugene Hendrickson; son Donald McDowell (Kathleen); daughter Jacqueline Pellowski (Robert); and daughter Karen Weber (Gregg). She is Nana to eight grandchildren: Matthew Pellowski (Michelle Jarvis), Beth Ann Lewit (Michael), Kathryn Pellowski (DJ Berry), Michael Weber (Susan), Jennifer Pellowski (Jackson Herget), Megan McDowell (Marc Lambert), Melissa Weber and Laura Pellowski. She is Nana to ten great-grandchildren: Grant Kennedy, Mia Berry, Greysyn Berry, Hunter Herget, Joan Pellowski, Flynn Jeanotte, Rose Pellowski, Asher Herget, Lillie Lambert and Juliet Weber. She was predeceased by her parents; husband Patrick Carparelli; and brothers. Raymond Hendrickson and John Hendrickson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Squire Street, New London. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to share condolences and memories.