Barbara C. Symanko

Barbara Phyllis Cerulli Symanko (97) passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 with her family by her side. She was born on July 10, 1926 to Marion Nagot Cerulli and Anthony Vito Cerulli in Ossining, New York. Raised in the South End of Stamford, Barbara would gladly tell you today that she grew up in Harbor Point! Barbara married William P. Symanko on November 21,1948 and began a loving marriage of 69 years and an amazing family story. She was a loving mother, devoted grandmother and proud great-grandmother. Barbara is survived by her three children, Lawrence Alan Symanko and wife Cynthia Shulga, Susan Symanko Ely, and Jacqueline Symanko Williamson and husband Scott Williamson. She is also survived by her six loving grandchildren, Justin William Ely and wife, Dipali Patel Ely, Sage Alexandra Williamson and husband, CJ Arnold, Brooke Ely Miller and husband, Robert Miller, Evan Scott Williamson and wife, Gabriella Williamson, Logan Paul Williamson and wife, Samantha Williamson, and Lara Gabrielle Ely, and two great-grandchildren, Niall Kenneth Ely and Nora Lee Arnold. Barbara is also survived by her sister Dorothy Cerulli Mulholland and many nieces and nephews who loved her immensely. She was predeceased in death by her mother, Marion Nagot Cerulli, her father, Anthony Vito Cerulli, her husband, William Paul Symanko, sister, Mary Grace Cerulli Kupec, brother, John J. Cerulli and son-in-law, Kenneth Norman Ely Jr. Barbara worked as a hairdresser in Stamford, Connecticut for many years before starting her 20-year career as an Administrative Assistant at Pitney Bowes, retiring to be a full-time grandmother. She and her husband were avid volunteers at the St. Leo’s Fair, while also volunteering for many years at St. Leo’s School and Stamford Catholic High. Barbara and her husband were charter members of St. Leo’s Parish in Stamford, Connecticut. Known to many as “Mimi”, she was devoted to her faith, family, children and all who knew her. Barbara was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, extraordinary grandmother, aunt and friend to so many. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever as we remember her for the legacy she instilled in each of us, her servant's heart and her hospitality. She never asked for anything, only what she could do for you. Mimi adored hosting others, including her caring neighbors, Karen and Richie, for a glass of wine and her famous deviled eggs. She was known for her epic Christmas Eve gatherings, her fabulous pierogi and chrusciki, exquisite beading skills and admiration for antiquing and collecting. A mass in celebration of Barbara’s life, well lived, will be held at 11AM on Monday, February 26, 2024 at St. Leo’s Church, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park, 230 Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford, CT. The family has entrusted Barbara’s final care to Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, in Stamford, CT. To express condolences for the family online, please visit the family guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome

Barbara C. Symanko

July 10, 1926 - February 21, 2024