CHESHIRE – Arlla Elizabeth Simisky, 93, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Simisky Sr., to whom she was married for 63 years.
Mrs. Simisky was born July 22, 1924 in Fitchburg, Mass., daughter of the late James Christopher and Mary Ellen (Fogarty) Gillespie.
Arlla was a dedicated nurse at Meriden-Wallingford and Bradley Memorial hospitals for more than 50 years. She remained as a volunteer at Bradley for many years following her retirement.
She was a devoted volunteer at St. Bridget Church in Cheshire, taking particular pride in her responsibility for altar care. For her service, she was awarded the St. Joseph Medal of Honor by the Diocese of Hartford in 2015. Arlla and Paul loved spending summers at their cottage in Peru, Mass. with family and friends. In the last years of her life, Arlla was lovingly cared for in her home by her sons, Justin and David.
Arlla is survived by her children, Margaret and her husband, John Verret, of Chilmark, Mass.; Justin Simisky of Cheshire; David Simisky of Cheshire; Arlla “Betsy” and her husband, Richard Kenefick Jr., of Meriden; Jonathan Simisky and his wife, Julia, of Louisville, Colo.; Mary Siobhan and her husband, Jack Costello, of Southington; and Karim and her husband, Brian Tripodina, of Berthold, N.D.; a sister Virginia Baroud of Shrewsbury, Mass.; 18 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Mrs. Simisky was predeceased by her children, Paul “Scrapper” Simisky Jr.; Anthony “Toby” Simisky; James Simisky, her brother, James Gillespie; and a grandson, Toby Simisky Jr.
A Funeral Mass for Arlla is 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., 06410. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. There are no calling hours. A private burial will be in the spring. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St., 06410, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Donations in her name may be made to St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, 175 Main St., Cheshire, 06410, or Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State St #1, Hamden, CT 06517.
To view these arrangements online, share a condolence, or an online photo, please visit fordfh.com.
