Failla, Carmelina
It is with great sadness that the family of Carmelina “Millie” Failla, of Rocky Hill, CT announces her death in the early morning hours of June 27, 2022 at the age of 95. June 27th is the birthday of Millie's late son, Michael
Failla. It seems clear to us that Millie died on Michael's birthday date, so that she could bake him a cake. Michael – please share the cake with Dad, Marge, Frank, Nancy, and Paul!
Millie was true to who she was, right up to moment of death. She loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. She
always said she hoped to die peacefully in her sleep. God listened to her, and she got what she wished for. Everyone loved Millie and this is how they described her: cheerful; pleasant; accepting; kind; welcoming; social; helpful; optimistic; joyful; and fully engaged in the world around her.
Millie was predeceased by her husband, Louis J. Failla (1998); her daughter, Nancy Morin (2014); her son-in-law, Paul Manship (2018); and her son, Michael Failla (2019). Millie's memory will be kept alive and cherished by her daughter Jane Canfield & husband Don Canfield; their children Chris & Caitlin Canfield & grandson Patrick Canfield; Britt Canfield & Andrew Strniste; Michelle Canfield & Peter Fabrizio. Millie also leaves her daughter Laura Manship; and Laura's children Emma Reilly & Hannah Smith; and Gregory Reilly. In addition, Millie leaves her son-in-law Rob Morin & Jenn Morin; and her grandchildren Robert & Alexa (& great-grandchild Robby); Andrew & Samantha; Daniel; and Joseph, Jeremy & Carly Hassett. Millie also leaves
her son-in-law Ed Reilly & Kate Reilly.
Millie was born on October 14, 1926 in Middletown; grew up in Hartford; and then lived in Rocky Hill for 57 years. She was the 5th of 10 children, born to Luigi and Concetta Rafala. She is predeceased by all of her siblings, except for her brother, Louis Rafala, sister-in-law Phyllis Rafala, and brother-in-law Rege Cassidy. Millie had 62 nieces and nephews; many cousins; a multitude of friends; and too many grandnieces and nephews to count. As her siblings passed away, she naturally stepped into the role of “family matriarch” and somehow managed to stay in touch with everyone in her family. If anyone wanted to know the name of “who married who? And what were their kids' names?” -just ask Millie. Right up to the day that she died, Millie knew what was going on with everyone in the family. Millie was a long time member of the Rocky Hill Senior Center, where she attended 3 times per week and held many roles, among them being responsible for sending out congratulatory as well as sympathy cards. Millie sang with the Rocky Hill Senior Serenaders group for many years. It was just 3 years ago, at the age of 92, that Millie gave up her driver's license; ended her singing and Senior Center activities; sold her house; and moved into an assisted living apartment. Millie never complained about the losses and changes in her life, and instead embraced her new home. Even though
she was one of the oldest residents there, she earned the informal title of “Ambassador” due to her warm outreach to the other residents.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice or do what Millie always did – spread a little love by calling someone and brightening their day.
Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Millie's life at a Wake at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm St. Rocky Hill, on Friday July 1st from 4-7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held for Millie at St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Church, 767 Elm St. Rocky Hill, on Saturday July 2nd, at 11:00 am, followed by a burial in Rose Hill Memorial Park. Please share online expressions of sympathy, memories or photo tributes at www. rosehillfuneralhomes.com.