Phyllis M. Dieni

Phyllis Marie Dieni (nee Ardolino), 83, of Mystic, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, with her loving husband by her side. Born in Springfield, MA on January 18, 1935, she was the daughter of Antonio Ardolino and Lena (Vancini) Trahan.

Phyllis was a kindhearted and giving woman who was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our ‘Noni’, as she liked to be called by her grandchildren, was an amazing wife, mom, daughter, and a dancer extraordinaire who loved to cut up the rug at family gatherings.

Phyllis will be lovingly remembered by her husband of almost 62 years, Dominick Dieni of Mystic; son David Dieni of San Francisco, California; daughter Alicia Furgueson (Bill Furgueson) of Mystic, CT; grandchildren Emma and Quinn Furgueson; brothers Antonio and Chester Ardolino; sisters Colleen Trahan and Linda Jordan, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis touched many lives as a special education teacher at Longmeadow High School and later as a retirement counselor for the Massachusetts Teacher’s Retirement Board, assisting teachers with their retirement. Her face lit up when she would see a baby or child smile or laugh. She always had time for helping others, and invariably you could find her lending an ear to family, friends, and those in need. Phyllis was a dedicated mother who lived for her children, showing them unconditional love. She was passionate about family and truly enjoyed family get-togethers.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 2-5 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018 beginning at 8:45 AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial and Celebration of her Life at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Longmeadow. Committal services will be held at the Gate of Heaven Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, Tinkham Road Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 19 Ohio Avenue Norwich, CT 06360. For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com