Shirley H. (Needham) Chmielnicki

Waterbury-Shirley H. (Needham) Chmielnicki, age 86, widow of Peter P. Chmielnicki, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 5, 2015 at Highlands Health Care Center in Cheshire surrounded by her family.

She was born in Naugatuck, CT on December 6, 1928, daughter of the late Howard and Mildred (Hard) Needham.  She was a longtime Waterbury resident.  She was an avid collector of “Betty Boop” memorabilia.  Shirley enjoyed playing bingo and watching the cooking channel.

Shirley is survived by her son Peter H. Chmielnicki of Meriden; 3 daughters, MaryAnn Lanzara of Oakville, Karen Chmielnicki of Meriden, and Patricia Pagano of Watertown; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Highland Health Care Center for the care and compassion given to Shirley during her stay.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday March 7, 2015 at 10:30a.m. from the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, to St. Hedwig Church, 32 Golden Hill Street, Naugatuck, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00a.m.  Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on

Saturday morning from 9:30a.m. to 10:30a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Highlands Health Care Center, 745 Highland Avenue, Cheshire, CT 06410.  To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com

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