Beloved wife, mom, nana, and friend
Our beloved wife, mom, nana, and friend, has completed her journey here on earth, and joined the angels in heaven. Simone Louise Pietrorazio (Toler) was born on August 2, 1942, in San Leandro, California, and passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, at the age of 82. We are comforted in knowing she will be greeted at heaven’s gate by her mother, father, sister, extended family and profoundly missed friends. Simone’s life was a tapestry of kindness, love, and unwavering strength that touched the hearts of everyone she met.
Simone (“Sindi” to her friends) was a beacon of grace and generosity, embodying a spirit that made the world a brighter place. Her warmth and compassion were evident in every aspect of her life, from the way she cared for her family to the way she lent a helping hand to those in need. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel special, her laughter and joy creating a haven of comfort, peace and love.
In 1963, Simone married the love of her life, Raymond. They raised four children who became the center of their universe. She was a source of endless support and encouragement, always ready with a listening ear and a loving heart. Her children and grandchildren were the pride of her life, and she took immense joy in watching them grow and thrive. Simone spent countless hours supporting her young children by participating in the schools’ PTAs; it was here that she made life-long friends with whom she would vacation and travel as often as time would allow. Rhode Island Beaches, Hawaii, Marco Island, Turks & Caicos, and Italy were some of her favorite trips. She taught catechism through St. John of the Cross Church for many years; she served as a Girl Scout troop leader, Cub Scout den mother, softball coach, and also worked part-time as a dog obedience instructor in her early adult years. Simone was often referred to as “the dog whisperer,” as she had a natural way about relating to all of the family dogs through the years, including raising her own litter of collies. In addition, Simone was an avid fan of UCONN Huskies Basketball, particularly the men’s team.
Simone was an X-ray technician at Yale New Haven Hospital prior to becoming a mother. In 1977, she and Ray founded the Connecticut Combustion Corporation, where she served as vice president for nearly 40 years.
Simone’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with her kindness and grace. Though her physical presence will be greatly missed, her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Raymond; children, Vincent, Dean and his wife Paulina, Jill and her husband Timothy, and Joel; her beloved grandchildren, Samuel and his wife Felicia, Deanna, Griffin, Celia, Morgan and Matthew; and great-grandson, Raymond; and a host of extended family and friends who will remember her with immense love and admiration. She is predeceased by her parents, James & Cecile Toler (Rousse), and her sister, Marilee Olander (Toler).
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church at 74 W. Main St. in Waterbury, Connecticut, followed by a celebration of Simone’s life at the Heritage Hotel & Conference Center at 522 Heritage Road in Southbury at approximately 11:45 a.m. Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory at 200 Benson Road in Middlebury has been entrusted with Simone’s services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to either Shriners Children’s Hospital by visiting donate.lovetotherescue.org or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital by visiting stjude.org.
Simone Pietrorazio’s life was a beautiful testament to the power of love, kindness, and quiet strength. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us. Rest in peace, dear Simone – you will forever be in our hearts.
For more information or send an online condolence, please visit www.brooksidememorial.com.
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