Ann Elizabeth West Colonese, age 94 of Shelton passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 10, 2024, in her home following a brief illness.
Ann was the beloved wife of the late Anthony Colonese. Born on September 10, 1929, she was the daughter of the late John West and Virginia Moore West and was a resident of Huntington for most of her life.
She was a 1947 graduate of Shelton High School and continued her education at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with a minor in psychology. She was a seventy-five year member of Delta Zeta sorority.
Upon graduation from college, Ann was hired by the US Government to work for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and spent a fascinating two years living and working in Munich, Germany. After her two year adventure, she returned home to Shelton, and in January 1956, she met Tony, and they were married at the University of Connecticut on October 18, 1958.
Ann is the beloved mother of Jean Colonese DaRin of Shelton, and Michael Colonese of Glastonbury. She is the proud grandmother of Ryan DaRin (and his wife Megan) of San Francisco, California, and Andrew DaRin (and his wife Jessica) of Shelton and in February 2024, Ann joyfully celebrated the birth of her great grandson Marshall.
In addition to her husband and parents, Ann was predeceased by her sister Barbara West Reid and is survived by Barbara’s three daughters Elzabeth Reid, Mary Paynter Reid, and Jane Reid as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Ann had a lifelong love of learning, was an avid reader, and the family historian. In 1940, as an eleven-year-old girl, Ann began keeping a daily diary, a practice she continued nightly for over eighty years. Ann’s father John West was a founder and first captain of the Huntington Fire Company and her “Aunt Vicky” operated the Huntington Telephone Company, so she was extremely interested and well versed in the history of Shelton.
Ann’s vast knowledge spanned many subjects including literature, art, music, politics, history, and geography. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and looked forward to the Sunday New York Times puzzle each week. Ann was an animal lover, and her loyal “Kitty” was always by her side. Above all, she loved and cherished her family.
The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd. Shelton has been entrusted to handle Ann’s arrangements. A celebration of Ann’s life will take place at a later date to be announced by her family. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.riverviewfh.com.
