WATERTOWN – Elaine Pennarola Cyr died on Jan. 12, 2018, in Danbury.
Born on March 16, 1955, to Francis and Elinor (Hall) Pennarola, she was the beloved wife of Carl C. Cyr. Elaine graduated from Danbury High School and Western Connecticut State University. Blessed with a beautiful lyric soprano voice, she performed in many local musical theater productions.
One of the highlights of her musical career was a solo performance for the great contralto, Marian Anderson, who gave her encouragement. Despite her talents, she was most happy as a wife, mother, daughter and sister; roles she treasured with love and fierce loyalty.
She was employed by the Watertown Board of Education for 28 years as a paraprofessional in the special education department. She was an outstanding mentor and staunch advocate for those students entrusted to her.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Henry and Rachel Cyr of Baltimore, Md.; her mother, Elinor Pennarola; siblings, Linda Mulvihill, Lisa LaCava (Richard), Francis Pennarola (Maureen) and Gary Pennarola (Nancy); her sister-in-law, Betty Ann Ehredt (Michael); many nieces and nephews; and her treasured former student, Justin Coulter.
She was predeceased by her father, Francis Pennarola; and her favorite uncle, Daniel Pennarola.
Elaine’s family and friends are devastated by her passing and will hold her in their hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elaine’s honor to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at StJude.org, or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
A celebration of life gathering will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Danbury Memorial Funeral Home, 117 South St., with a celebration of life service to begin at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be private.
To light a candle or leave a condolence in her honor, please visit Danburymemorial.com.
