Sydney Fulford, 94

Sydney “Nana” Snell Fulford passed away peacefully and with grace, surrounded by loving family, on January 17, 2025. Born in Brooklyn Heights on January 27, 1930, she was days away from her 95th birthday. Sydney was ready to depart, though torn between leaving her beloved family and joining the love of her life, Bill Fulford, who she met in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. After flipping a sailboat together on Lake Saint Clair, they soon married and started a family. Sydney grew up in Great Neck, NY, and was a graduate of Wheelock College.

Yolanda Kraemer, 77

July 7, 1947 – January 24, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Yolanda Bensey Kraemer on Friday, January 24, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Yolanda lived a life filled with love, warmth, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear. Born in New York City on July 7, 1947, Yolanda grew up on the Upper East Side and in the Bronx. She was the beloved daughter of Julia Bensey and a cherished sister to Barbara Maietta. Family was always at the heart of Yolanda’s life, and in 1973, she married Arthur Kraemer, the love of her life and her best friend.

Patricia Marie Hussey-White, 63

Patricia Marie Hussey-White, 63, of New Canaan, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024 at Mt. Sinai Hospital after battling a long illness surrounded by family. 

Patricia is survived by husband David White, daughter Katherine White; sister Laurie (John) Novak; aunts Janet DaSilva, Christine Hussey, Julie Hussey, Vera Oliver as well as a large extended family.  She was preceded in death by her parents Martin and Winifred (Cromwell) Hussey. 

Patricia (Patti) was born in Norwalk and had a deep affection for her hometown, as a native New Canaanite.  Above all, spending time with family and friends was most important to Patti.  Her love of gardening, cooking, crafting and decorating were just a few of her passions and she generously shared the results of her talents with many.  Patti retired after many years of service as a Case Manager for the State of CT’s Department of Developmental Services.  While many of Patti’s interests kept her close to home, she was also an avid fan of Bruce Springsteen, reminiscing with her lifelong friends, vacations to Chatham, MA, antiquing trips to Stormville, NY and enjoying the sunshine by the pool. 

Patti received much love, strength and support from her two closest friends Karin Bochicchio and Amy Reilly as well as from all her cousins, nieces and nephew. Patti cherished her daughter Katie, and in her final thoughts, she shared her pride in her daughter and sincere gratitude, love and thanks to family and friends.  While we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace.   

Calling hours are being held on January 30, 2025, from 4-7 pm at Hoyt’s Funeral Home 199 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840.   A mass will be celebrated at St. Aloysius on January 31, 2025, at 12:30. 

[This obituary appeared on the Hoyt Funeral Home website.]

Louis L. Lapolla, Jr., 86

Louis L. Lapolla, Jr. “Jack,” a lifelong resident of New Canaan, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on January 15, 2025. He was born on June 15, 1938, in Norwalk, CT, to Louis L. Lapolla, Sr. and Anita Ventrella Lapolla. Jack was predeceased by his parents and son Shannon “Shaun” Lapolla. He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen B. Lapolla, son Jon C. Lapolla, daughter Patricia A. Lapolla, daughters-in-law Danielle Roth Lapolla and Tina Anselm Lapolla, and grandchildren Amy L. Lapolla and Jon L. Lapolla. He graduated from New Canaan High School in 1956 where he played baseball and football.

Paulette Francis Livesay, 86

Paulette Francis Livesay 5/2/38 – 1/16/25

Born in the Bronx, New York and died in New Canaan CT. Predeceased by her husband of 40 years Darden Rawles Livesay of Stamford CT. Daughter of Frank and Rosalie Dimenna she was a devoted mother of three sons and a grandmother of 7 grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her boys. Darden Livesay Jr. of New Canaan CT, Andrew Livesay of New Canaan CT, and Gregory Livesay of Stamford CT.