Carmela Ballerini

Carmela R Ballerini, also known as Connie and Carmela to friends and family passed away on May 1, 2026 at the age I have 101. Connie was born in Bridgeport Connecticut on February 12,2025 to Michael and Michelina Bernardo. She shared her childhood with her brothers John Joseph Jerry and Frank and her sister Rose. She graduated from Central high school in 1943 and then pursued nursing at St. Vincent's Hospital school of nursing where she received her RN degree in 1947. On August 20, 1949, she married David Ballerini then moved to Fairfield where she was a lifelong resident until her passing. Connie worked as an RN at St.Vincent’s Hospital in various departments for 33 years, saying that pediatrics was her favorite. Following her year there she worked in many other settings including the infirmary at 3030 Park senior living apartments, industrial nursing at GE, Bullard and Bridgeport Machines, visiting nurse services through Easton Visiting Nurses and Shamrock Home Health Agency. Connie was often looked to by her peers for her expertise and problem-solving skills. Connie retired at the ripe young age of 90. It is no wonder that she was referred to by many as the “ Energizer Bunny”!

In addition to her professional work Connie had many volunteer stints starting with substitute teaching at Assumption School where her children attended. After her children were grown, she volunteered at Fairfield Woods Library and The Discovery Museum. Connie also volunteered at the American Red Cross during blood drives and at local polling locations during major elections.

Connie is survived by her children Adele/Christopher, David/Christine, and Joy, as well as her grandson, David, her granddaughter, Jennifer, and her other grandson, Samuel. She also has several nieces, nephews and friends that will mourn her passing. Her nieces Gail, Debbie, Judy and Joann will especially miss her.

Over the years Connie provided energy and entertainment for others. We will all remember her daily pot of coffee, love of sweets, and her mantra “can I get you something to eat?” Her children will fondly recall moppine (dish towel) fights at the kitchen table, which she usually started, and her penchant for saving money, “do I get a senior discount?”

Connie is predeceased by her parents as well as all of her siblings, her husband David in 2010, her son-in-law Ira in 2019, and her grandson Alan in 2022.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Connie's honor on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10 AM at Saint Teresa's Church in Trumbull Connecticut. A private interment with immediate family will be held following Mass. 

Connie's family would like to thank all of those who cared for her during her final weeks, especially Hartford Healthcare at Home to which donations in Connie’s honor can be made:

Hartford Healthcare at Home

1290 Silas Deane Highway

Wethersfield, CT 06109.