Clara (Nanni) Cortina

Clara Cortina, 95, of West Haven, beloved wife of the late Giulio Cortina, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023.  Clara was born on November 8, 1927 in New York to the late Vitale and Rafaela Nanni.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandma.  She instilled in her children the importance of family and was affectionately known as Grandma Daisy and Mama Donuts. In addition to the many family gatherings, she loved spending time in her yard and with her dog Gin Gin. 

Clara will be sadly missed by her children: Brenden Cortina (Kim) of Milford and Jeffrey Cortina of West Haven; brother Anthony Nanni (Joann) of Trumbull, son-in-law Steve Smullen of West Haven; grandchildren: Billy Smullen (Leigh-Ann), Kelli Smullen (Brandon), Sean Smullen (Kate), Amy Pettis (Joe), Kristi McCarthy (Kevin), Jamie Ottaviano (Matt), and Nicole Bindner (Matt); along with 14 great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband and parents, Clara was predeceased by her daughter, Donna Smullen; and her sisters: Antoinette Tureski and Janet Horn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am on April 20, 2023 at St Agnes Church in Milford.  Family and friends are invited to greet Clara’s family prior to church at THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford Thursday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clara’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Organization.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

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