Selena "Sally Oliver" A. Atkins

Selena A. Atkins, 90, of Southbury, formally of Wolcott, passed away peacefully at the Lutheran Home of Southbury on December 26, 2021. Selena (Sally) had been a resident there since 2016. She was the beloved wife of the late H. Thomas Atkins. Selena was born February 27, 1931, in Waterbury, a daughter of the late Harris and Lena (Brickett) Demand.

Sally was a loving and devoted wife and mother, dedicated to her family. Her kindness was extended to friends and many children she cared for throughout her life. She served as a positive influence to many as a Girl, Boy and Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, daycare director and teacher, and nanny. She was an active parishioner of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Wolcott (one of the founding members) and St. Nathanial’s Church in North Port, FL. She proudly served in many leadership positions at both parishes. At age 60, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development from UConn, and then moved to Florida in 1991 where she became a daycare director and teacher, and nanny until her retirement. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling, spending time at Hammonasset Beach, sewing and making beautiful keepsakes that are treasured by her family.

Selena will be dearly missed by her daughters, Debra Giannetto and her husband Vincent of Watertown, Barbara Solla and her husband Carmine of Wolcott, her grandchildren, Jeremy Oliver, Aaron Oliver, Joshua Oliver, Rebecca Scott, Tyson Oliver, Adriana Dinis, Aubrey Wright, Stephanie Giannetto-Poore, Kristie Giannetto (Torrent), Jessica Giannetto-Rose, Amber Oliver-Randall, and 13 great grandchildren, her sister Patricia Mullin, daughter-in-law Susan Rinaldi Oliver, her sister in laws Gertrude Brown and Eleanor Miola, several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her sons, William G. Oliver Jr and Dennis C. Oliver, her siblings George Demand, Frank Demand, Grace Demand, Gladys Moon, Dorothy Mastronato, Myla Evon, Emily Pluff and Charles Moon.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff of the Lutheran Home of Southbury for their kindness and loving care over the past 5 years.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 10AM at All Saints Episcopal CHurch, 282 Bound Line Rd., Wolcott, CT. 06716

Donations in Selena’s memory can be made to: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 690 Woodtick Rd., Wolcott, is assisting with funeral arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dellavecchiawolcott.com