Obituary for Ellen Preli (Willey)
In a world that sometimes feels so big it might swallow a person whole, Ellen M. (Willey) Preli turned to the small things to find joy—the simple gestures, gifts, and moments that brought happiness to others and a smile to her heart.
From May 20, 1950, to November 14, 2022, she delighted in the companionship of friends and family, but more so in the menagerie of pets that graced her childhood Hartford and East Hartford homes. It didn’t matter if it was snails, dogs, the gecko, or the pet monkey, she cared for each with her whole heart and that passion to nurture and tend to others lasted the entirety of her life.
Throughout her adult life, creativity was Ellen’s vehicle to express love. Through cakes, quilts, crafting and trays of lasagna, she told people how she felt without uttering a word. A surprise visit to her child’s place of work with snacks or an impromptu party in the back office of the teletheater was not outside the norm. She would drop everything for someone in need; sew anything for wedding or a show; and give anything to see those she loved smile.
And occasionally, Ellen would do something for herself—a ride on a carousel, an almond ice from Mazzicato’s, a day fishing in Vermont, or a dancing stuffed animal. Of everything she taught us about caring for those around us, it was these small acts of self-love—so pure in their motivation—that we will remember and cherish the most.
Predeceased by her husband, Peter Preli of Windsor Locks, Ellen leaves her love of the small things behind to her daughter, Carla (Preli) Gonzalez, and her husband, Daniel Toby Gonzalez, of Middletown; her son, Joseph Preli-Watt and son-in-law, James Preli-Watt, of Manchester; her sister, Janice (Willey) Laurito, and husband, Gary Laurito; her nephew, Corey Laurito, and his family; her niece Gina (Laurito) Kulas and her family; her cousin, Tommy Meglin, and his family; as well as the many, many friends she’s made along the way.
Visiting hours will be Sunday, November 20, 2022, at the Windsor Locks Funeral Home from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed directly by a celebration of life. Ellen would have loved flowers, but she would have loved it more if you donated to an animal rescue of your choosing in her honor.
From May 20, 1950, to November 14, 2022, she delighted in the companionship of friends and family, but more so in the menagerie of pets that graced her childhood Hartford and East Hartford homes. It didn’t matter if it was snails, dogs, the gecko, or the pet monkey, she cared for each with her whole heart and that passion to nurture and tend to others lasted the entirety of her life.
Throughout her adult life, creativity was Ellen’s vehicle to express love. Through cakes, quilts, crafting and trays of lasagna, she told people how she felt without uttering a word. A surprise visit to her child’s place of work with snacks or an impromptu party in the back office of the teletheater was not outside the norm. She would drop everything for someone in need; sew anything for wedding or a show; and give anything to see those she loved smile.
And occasionally, Ellen would do something for herself—a ride on a carousel, an almond ice from Mazzicato’s, a day fishing in Vermont, or a dancing stuffed animal. Of everything she taught us about caring for those around us, it was these small acts of self-love—so pure in their motivation—that we will remember and cherish the most.
Predeceased by her husband, Peter Preli of Windsor Locks, Ellen leaves her love of the small things behind to her daughter, Carla (Preli) Gonzalez, and her husband, Daniel Toby Gonzalez, of Middletown; her son, Joseph Preli-Watt and son-in-law, James Preli-Watt, of Manchester; her sister, Janice (Willey) Laurito, and husband, Gary Laurito; her nephew, Corey Laurito, and his family; her niece Gina (Laurito) Kulas and her family; her cousin, Tommy Meglin, and his family; as well as the many, many friends she’s made along the way.
Visiting hours will be Sunday, November 20, 2022, at the Windsor Locks Funeral Home from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed directly by a celebration of life. Ellen would have loved flowers, but she would have loved it more if you donated to an animal rescue of your choosing in her honor.