Lillian D’Elia Canna, 84, of Northford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, at Yale New Haven Hospital/St. Raphael Campus with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph C. Canna (Cannavaciolo) for 52 years. Lillian was born in New Haven on April 1st, 1939, and was the daughter of the late Louis and Josephine Fiengo D’Elia. A 1957 graduate of Hillhouse High School, Lillian worked as a Personnel Manager in the Yale University Human Resources Department until her retirement. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, going to the movies with friends, reading and attending her book club. Most of all, Lillian enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren, who she was very proud of and loved them all unconditionally. One of Lillian’s greatest joys was cooking for her family, especially her famous manicotti. Lillian was also a member and past president of the North Branford Garden Club, and an active parishioner of St. Monica Church where she wholeheartedly volunteered her time to many different church activities and was a member of their Rosary Society. Mother of Joseph E. Canna, Stephen Canna (Téa), Elizabeth Fabrizi (Mark) and Gregory Canna. Grandmother of Matthew, Thomas, and Lauren Canna, Olivia and Juliana Fabrizi, Justine, and Ethan Canna. Sister of Theresa Zotti, Rose Quarz (Robert), Ann Wolfer, the late Concetta Palumbo. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Predeceased by her brothers-in-law James Palumbo and George Zotti.
The visiting hours will be Friday, Sept. 8th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Ambrose Parish at St. Monica Church, 1331 Middletown Avenue, Northford on Saturday morning, Sept. 9th at 10:30 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108.