Peggy Bazzanella

Peggy Bazzanella, age 81, of Fairfield, CT passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, two months before her 82nd birthday.

She was born on July 15, 1944 in San Francisco, CA to the late Julio and Kathryn (Lynch) Castelli. A graduate of Mercy High School in 1962 and San Francisco State University in 1966, she met her future husband, Dominic “Buzz” Bazzanella, as a high school sophomore and they were married in 1967. Leaving San Francisco for Evanston, IL, they eventually settled in Sacramento, CA. After Buzz’s untimely passing in 1978, she raised their two sons: John and Marc.

Peggy lived in Sacramento, CA for almost 50 years before moving to be closer to John and his family, first in Memphis, TN and finally landing in Fairfield, CT, her home for the past four years.

Peggy’s Catholic faith was deeply important to her and central to her character. She had a passion for helping others. After raising her two sons, she focused her attention on a career of service. Leaning on her graduate study of psychology and masterful skill at listening and connecting with people, she embarked on a journey as a hospital chaplain. She earned specialized certifications in trauma chaplaincy and grief counseling over a fulfilling career of nearly twenty years, touching the lives of countless individuals and families.

Peggy’s compassion and understanding went far beyond her work as a chaplain. She was the person that everyone always went to for help, advice, or guidance. Peggy always made time to put others first, allowing her to provide thoughtful counsel to anyone who sought her out. Above all else, Peggy cherished her family and was fiercely loyal to and protective of those she loved.

Peggy had a determined and resilient spirit. When she took on an activity or project, she did so with full commitment. She was an avid learner and loved DIY projects and all types of tools and gadgets. She was a skilled seamstress, making clothes for herself and family members and sewing baby clothes for both of her sons. When her sons joined scouting, Peggy volunteered and quickly rose to the top of district leadership. Peggy was passionate about photography, collecting an array of camera equipment as she honed her impressive skills. She enjoyed thrift and antique stores, and she had a deep love of animals, especially her dogs who were her close companions and a source of joy and respite.

Peggy will be missed by her loving family, including her children: her son John Bazzanella and his wife Jenn McLevy-Bazzanella of Fairfield, CT, and her son Marc Bazzanella of DeForest, WI; her grandchildren: Jack, Charlie, Isabella, Dominic, and Luca; her sister, Julie Nauman; her nephew, Alex Nauman; and multiple other family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dominic; her parents Julio and Kathryn; one of her closest friends Fr. Al Grosskopf; and her beloved dogs: Tigger, Pepper, Teddy, and Libby.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Brookdale Senior Living, now Ciel Senior Living of Germantown, The Carolton of Fairfield, and most especially Sturges Ridge of Fairfield for creating communities of love, care, and belonging for Peggy.

Friends and family may come to pay their respects on Saturday, July 18 from 10-11am at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield CT. A Memorial Service will take place at the funeral home beginning at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Peggy’s name can be made out to the Connecticut Humane Society at https://cthumane.org/.