Velma Segalla, 96

DALTON, Mass. —  Velma Matilda (Magnone) Segalla, aged 96, of Dalton, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Berkshire Medical Center.

Born on March 21, 1928, in Pittsfield, MA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Emilio and Julia (Prina) Magnone. A proud graduate of Pittsfield High School, Velma went on to work as a manager at New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. After marrying the love of her life, Joseph John Segalla on October 9, 1955, she embraced her role as a homemaker, dedicating herself to her family.

A devout Catholic, Velma was a communicant of St. Mary of the Lake Church in Lakewood, NJ. Her faith was further evidenced by her active participation in the Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters of the America. Velma's talents were many; she was an excellent seamstress and took pleasure in sewing. Her joy also came from baking, reading, working puzzles, playing cards, and mahjong. Additionally, she was a dedicated member of the Paul Kimball Hospital Auxiliary.

Velma's loving husband Joseph preceded her in death in October 2002. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her children: Christine S. (Gregory) Holzwarth of Alpharetta, GA; Paul A. (Susan) Segalla of Sterling, MA; and John J. (Andrea) Segalla of Calabash, NC. Her seven grandchildren—Justin, Adam and Jonathan Holzwarth; Lauren, John Andrew, Emily, and Julia Segalla—and two great-grandchildren—Miles and Theo Holzwarth—will miss her deeply. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Velma was predeceased by her daughter Laura Ann Segalla in 1989, her brother Ceasar Magnone, and sister Frances Betti.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held for Velma Segalla on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church in Lenox. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM in Southview Cemetery in North Adams. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association through FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. For those wishing to leave messages of condolence or to share memories, please visit the Book of Memories at www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com. Velma's grace and kindness touched all who knew her. Her memory will be treasured forever.