Filomena Smith Obituary

Filomena "Phyllis" Salemme Smith
Filomena Smith, lovingly known as Phyllis and to a cherished few as Filly, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family. She was 93 years old.
Born on January 27, 1932, to Rose Balzano and Angelo Charles Salemme, Filomena grew up with humble beginnings on her family's farm in Orange, Connecticut, alongside her sisters. Those early years instilled in her a deep sense of hard work, resilience, and the importance of family-values that would guide her throughout her life.
In the 1950s, while working at a printing press, she met the love of her life, LeRoy "Lee" Smith. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children, creating a home filled with warmth, devotion, and unwavering love.
Filomena's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. It guided her through times of joy and sorrow, shaping the compassion, humility, and strength with which she cared for others. She carried her devotion with quiet grace, living out her faith through acts of love, service, and kindness to all who knew her.
A woman of great dedication and energy, Filomena worked for many years as a hairdresser. After raising her children, she also enjoyed working part-time at McDonald's in both Connecticut and Florida, where she treasured the camaraderie of her colleagues and the simple joy of serving her regular customers. To this day, her family smiles remembering her fondness for McDonald's apple pies.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Lee, her son John, her parents, and her sister Jenny. Though her heart endured great loss, she continued to embody strength, grace, and an unshakable devotion to her family and faith.
She leaves behind her three daughters, each of whom were a constant source of pride and joy: Susan Britney, Paula Dempster (husband Moe), and Gloria Serfillippi (husband Vic). She was a treasured grandmother to Jean Rivers (husband Jon), Nina, and Tessa Serfillippi, and a doting great-grandmother to Levon and Grey Rivers. Her legacy of love, faith, and care will continue to live on through them.
Filomena will be remembered for her quiet strength, her gentle kindness, her devotion to family and faith, and the way she found joy in life's simple pleasures. Her memory will forever remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
The visiting hours will be Thursday, September 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Church of The Resurrection, 57 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford on Friday morning, September 12th at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. www.northhavenfuneral.com