Frances M. (Matulunas) Fennessy

Frances Fennessy, 94, of Oakville, passed away on August 9, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late James J. Fennessy.

She was born in Waterbury, on April 9, 1930, the daughter of the late Casimir and Elizabeth (Ozelas) Matulunas.

Frances graduated as the Valedictorian of Waterbury Catholic High School’s Class of 1948, and went on to attend the Parsons School of Design in New York, NY. After raising her family, she returned to the workforce as an information operator for Southern New England Telephone Co., retiring after 25 years of dedicated service.

Frances was a talented artist, leaving behind a collection of beautiful paintings and drawings that her family will cherish. She was also gifted in sewing, creating matching bedspreads, draperies, and children’s clothes and costumes. Her husband, James, was equally talented in woodworking and gardening, and together they crafted many admired and cherished items. Their creativity and dedication were a great source of pride for their family.

In her later years, Frances lived in New Hartford with her daughter and son-in-law. She found joy in the company of her great-grandchildren and cherished the frequent visits from her beloved granddaughter, Aimee. Her devoted son, Michael, also made many trips from Maryland with his sons, James and Brendan, filling their time together with fun and laughter.

Frances was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, James Fennessy, and her son, Michael Fennessy. The youngest of six children, Frances was also predeceased by her brothers, John, Paul, and Joseph Matulunas, and her sisters, Helen (Matulunas) O’Brien, and Anel Matulunas.

She leaves behind her daughter, Elizabeth (Lee Fennessy) Richard and husband, Sam, of New Hartford; her granddaughter, Aimee (Malenfant) Roberts and her husband, Gregory; and two grandsons, James and Brendan Fennessy of Maryland. Frances was also blessed with two beloved great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy in her later years. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Torrington Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for their loving and professional care of Frances during her challenging battle with dementia and physical disabilities. Special thanks to CNA's Doreen and Nora, whose dedicated support during Frances’ time at home with her daughter brought comfort and cherished memories.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 17, from 8:30-10:00 am, at Colasanto Funeral Home, 932 Bank Street, Waterbury, followed by a 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial, at St. John’s Church, 574 Main Street, Watertown. Burial to immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 669 Platt Road, Watertown.

To leave online condolences, please visit us at www.colasantofh.com

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