Nellie Sampieri Funaro, 94, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the Apple Rehab/Laurel Woods, East Haven. She was the wife of the late Frank Thomas Funaro, Sr.  Nellie was born in Ansonia on February 28, 1920; daughter of the late Carmelo and Margaret Benacosa Sampieri.  She had worked for Sears & Roebucks for 25 years until her retirement; was a member of the North Haven Senior Center and the St. Frances Cabrini Church Women’s Club.  Nellie enjoyed cooking and sewing.  Beloved mother of James M. Funaro and his wife Susan, and Frank T. Funaro, Jr.  Beloved grandmother of Michelle Funaro.  Loving sister of Marge Guliuzza and the late Frances Rusinik, Anna Ferillo, Michael, Joseph “Jumbo”, Emilio, Orlando, William, Carmen, Jr., Sam, Anthony and Norman “Butch” Sampieri.  Sister-in-law of Mina, Michelina and Anna Sampieri.  Also survived by many nieces, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to the nurses and staff at the Apple Rehab/Laurel Woods for all the comfort and care they provided to Nellie.

Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington, Wednesday morning at 10:30.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Frances Cabrini Church at 11:00.  Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.  The visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Hwy., Ste. 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.