Lucille Ann Fogarty

Lucille Ann Fogarty, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, September 13, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Hartford, CT to the late Joseph and Rose (Aleria) Bilodeau.

A longtime resident of East Hartford, she raised her four children along with her former husband Edward Fogarty. Prior to starting her family, she was employed by the State of Connecticut. After she married, and while raising her family, she embarked on her passion for food and started Lucille’s Catering, where her daughters and several family members worked alongside of Lucille. Combined with her love of cooking and her extraordinary decorating skills, her talents made every event a special one for many years. After retiring from her catering business, Lucille joined the Sodexo Food Service with the East Hartford Public Schools. She managed the cafeteria of Norris Elementary School for 25 years where she was affectionately known as “Miss Lucy”. Loved by the staff and the many thousands of students she served over the years at Norris School, she was awarded the Outstanding Staff Member of the year 2011-2012. Norris School was Miss Lucy’s second family; the hundreds of cards and letters she received every year from the staff and students was a testament to their love for her. She found so much strength and comfort from her Norris and Sodexo friends during her illness, most especially Mike Grey. Your acts of kindness will never be forgotten Mike.

Lucille loved spending time with her family and found so much joy and laughter when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At Christmas time she turned her house into a winter wonderland and always looked forward to the family dinners at her home.

We are quite certain she is now looking after all the children in heaven and cooking up delicious foods for them.

Lucille also enjoyed spending many hours gardening and her trips to the casino with her dear friend Doris.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Hospice. Her aide Donna, you were so kind and helpful with mom’s daily care and she enjoyed watching “The Price is Right” with you. Bill, her compassionate confidante, you helped her through the difficult times and enabled mom to find peace again. Linda, her social worker, we thank you for your words of wisdom and cherry tomatoes. Lynn Andrews, her nurse, you are an angel on earth. The care and comfort you showed our entire family went beyond anything we could have expected. You are truly a special person.

Lucille will be sadly missed by her daughters Kathleen Shewokis of Manchester, Robin LeBlanc and her husband Paul of East Hartford, Cheryl Wojnilo and her husband Joe of South Windsor, her son Ed and his wife Michelle of Killingworth; her grandchildren and their spouses; Kris and Jamie Shewokis, David Shewokis, Paul and Jasmin LeBlanc, Dan and Lindsay LeBlanc, Michelle LeBlanc, Joe Wojnilo and Randi Casinghino, Jackie Wojnilo, and Matthew Wojnilo; her 5 great grandchildren Kalianna, Matthew, Jordyn, Autumn & Hailey; her sister Sandra Clarke, her sister in-law Theresa Bilodeau and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Salvatore Bilodeau and her brother in-law Robert Clarke.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, September 16th, from 5 to 9pm, at Benjamin J. Callahan Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17th, at 10am at St. Rose Church, 33 Church St. East Hartford. Please meet directly at church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.callahanfuneral.com. Donations in Lucille’s name may be made to: CT Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106, www.connecticutchildrens.org