Avery Crandell Mello, 88 passed away quietly May 21, 2017 at her residence at Southington Care Center, Southington Connecticut. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Donald S. Mello.
Avery is survived by her daughters: Susan Mello Velardi and husband Michael, Dale Mello, and Lynn Mello Fazzino and husband Vincent. Also, surviving are Avery’s grandchildren, Karen Lynn Harris, Michael Don Velardi, Joseph William Fazzino, Lauren May Fazzino, Jonathan William Fazzino, and Daniel Mello Bethke. The surviving great-grandchildren are Allyson, Emmalyn and Livia Harris. She leaves behind her brother Basil Allen Crandell, of Ludlow, MA and was predeceased by her sister Nona MacMaster. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Avery was born on September 27, 1928, the second child of Wenonah and Allen Crandell of Ludlow, MA. She lived there through her childhood, graduating from Ludlow High School.
Avery also graduated from the former Springfield Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1949. Avery started her nursing career working at Springfield Hospital. In 1950 Avery and Don began their married life in Pittsfield and raised their family there until 1963 when they moved to Wappingers Falls, NY. While in New York, Avery continued her education and received a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Oneonta in 1971. This afforded her an opportunity to be a School Nurse Teacher.
For 2 years she worked in Dover Plains. Following that she worked for Wappingers Central Schools in John Jay High School, Myers Corners, St. Mary’s, and Fishkill Elementary Schools. Her career spanned a total of 25 years. In 1991, Avery was recognized at a Nurses of Distinction Ceremony for New York State. Spending time with her family was always a blessing to Avery. Going to church also provided her with a sense of spiritual satisfaction.
Avery enjoyed her neighbors, playing golf, traveling, and doing crafts and sewing. Birdwatching and gardening were favorite past times. In 1998 Avery and Don retired to Connecticut, where she lived in various places. A memorial service celebrating the life of Avery Mello will be held at Union Church of Christ at 3:00 PM on June 3, 2017. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Union Church of Christ, Box 445, Ludlow, MA, 01056.
