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Obituary for Kathleen Cronin Balla Samela

Kathleen C.B> Samela age 63, beloved wife of John E. Samela of Ansonia passed away into eternal life on Wednesday June 13, 2007 after a brief illness.  Kathy was born in Waterbury on February 8, 1954, daughter of James and Ruth Munson Cronin of Southbury.  A graduate of the Southbury High School class of 1970, Kathleen went onto matriculate at Mattatuck Community College and Transylvania University also receiving a Certificate in Human Services Management at St. Joseph College.  Kathleen, a perpetual altruist, dedicated her life to serving others.  Her accomplishments included, but were not limited to, founding Area Congregations Together and the Spooner House homeless shelter of Derby  She was elected and served the consecutive terms as Alderwoman of the third ward in Ansonia.  The Roman Catholic Diocese awarded her the Archbishop's Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Connecticut Post named her a Woman of Substance.  Also counted among this list of accolades are the Lillian Chrostowski Award, the Episcopal Social Service Award, the Silver Seal Award of the Valley Chamber of Commerce and an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly.  Kathleen's love of history led to her fruitful employment at the Shelton Historical Society.  Her many titles also include Justice of the Peace, former enior Warden and Vestry Member and Eucharistic Minister at Christ Church in Ansonia and most importantly loving wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.  Besides her husband and parents, she is survived by a son John M, Samela of Ansonia, three daughters, Sarah S. Samela of West Haven, Elizabeth O. Balla of Beacon Falls and Olivia Samela of Ansonia, a brother Kevin Cronin of Warren, a sister Colleen C. Mailhot of Watertown and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and loyal firends.  She was predeceased by her former husband David A. Balla.  Friends and relaatives are invited to attend her funeral on Saturday June 16, 2007 at 10 AM (Directly) at the Christ Episcopal Church, 56 South Cliff Street in Ansonia.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Ansonia.  Visiting hours will be held on Friday June 15, 2007 at the Spinelli-Malerba-Ricciuti Funeral Home, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.  In liew of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church through the funeral home. To send a condolence or obtain firections pease visit www.spinellifuneralhome.com.