Estelle Cattaruzza, age 90, wife of Athos Cattaruzza, passed away on February 15, 2017 at Atria Larson Place, Hamden. She was born in New Haven on October 15, 1926 to the late Salvatore and Dorothy Massa. Estelle is survived by her daughter Laurie DeFrancesco and her husband James, and her grandchildren Michael and Christopher DeFrancesco, all of Hamden. She is predeceased by her sister Marie Zaniewski. After graduating high school Estelle went on to open and run her own children's daycare, Miss Estelle's Nursery School. She was also an avid animal lover, but above all else she loved raising and spending time with her family. Estelle's family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Benchmark Senior Living and especially to the staff at Atria Larson Place Life Guidance Unit for the care and attention shown to her. Friends are invited to visit with Estelle's family on Saturday February 18 from 9-10:30am in the BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11am in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Where the Love Is Rescue, 796 Old Woodin St. Hamden, CT 06514.