Obituary: Wilette “Willie” Pearson, 86, of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT - (From Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home) Wilette “Willie” Pearson, 86, a long-time resident of Hamden, passed away on July 30, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

She was the wife of the late Henry A. Pearson and the daughter of the late Joseph and Caroline Ralston Lentino.

She is survived by her twin daughters, Caroline Farless of Petaluma, CA and Liz Rossomando of West Hartford, two sons-in-law, Lee Farless and Raymond Rossomando, Jr., and a grandchild, Zoe Rossomando.

She was born on April 14, 1935 in Cambridge, MA. As a young girl, she was educated in Vassalboro, Maine, where she developed her interests in horseback riding and painting.

After graduating from Stephens College in Missouri, she moved to New York City to work as a legal assistant for a prominent attorney. At that time she met her future husband, Henry Pearson, and then raised their daughters.

After caring for her husband, who passed away from Multiple Sclerosis and cancer, for over 35 years, Willie dedicated her life to advocating for those with disabilities.

She was a member of the Center for Disability Rights for 25 years. She supported many organizations that provided services for disabled veterans and served as past Co-President of the New Haven Stroke Club with her late partner Joseph Galluzzi, Sr.

She was also a beloved member and friend of Hamden Plains United Methodist Church for over 48 years.

Her greatest love was her family. She was the kindest soul who found joy in many things that others might take for granted, whether bopping to a live band, sitting with her family having a lobster roll and ice cream, or simply looking out over the ocean.

Her love for life showed through and was contagious to those around her. She greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and filled many hearts with unconditional love and compassion.

Friends are invited to visit with Willie’s family on Friday, August 6th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hamden Plains United Methodist Church, 15 Church St., Hamden.

A Funeral Service celebrating her life will continue in the church at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park.

If you are unable to attend Willie’s service, a Live Stream will be available here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Disability Rights, 369 Highland St., West Haven, CT 06516. Please state “Wilette Pearson Memorial” in the memo.

Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.