Amelia (Novak) Wakely

Amelia (Novak) Wakely, of Lisbon, CT, passed away December 22, 2020, at the Backus Hospital, with her loving children by her side. She was born in Jewett City, CT. Her early and formative years were spent happily on the family's 100-acre homestead in Lisbon attending Lisbon Central School and the Norwich Free Academy. After her marriage to Thomas J. Wakely, Amelia lived and raised her young family in Jewett City. The family returned to Lisbon and continued to enjoy spending time at their summer home in Misquamicut, R.I. After graduating from NFA, Amelia earned an Associate’s Degree from Bay Path University, Longmeadow, Mass. A lifelong learner, she attended the University of Connecticut, the University of Rhode Island, and Eastern Connecticut State University receiving a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's Degree in Education. Never idle, Amelia was an elected member of the Griswold Board of Education. For years she volunteered at St. Mary's Church in Jewett City; was a member of the Backus Hospital Auxiliary, and was a Literacy Volunteer. Throughout her career, Amelia held many positions. She was the private secretary to the Chief Inspector of Hamilton Propeller; receptionist/secretary at Wedgewood Mills; co-owner and business manager of Thomas J. Wakely Plumbing and Heating; and assisted her husband in events and ceremonies during his 18-year tenure as Mayor/Warden of Jewett City. Her true passion was teaching. For 25 years, Amelia taught third grade at Griswold Elementary School. The Connecticut Department of Education honored Amelia for creating innovative teaching projects for her students that went above and beyond the basic curriculum requirement statewide. She received the "Celebration for Excellence" Award, a salute to Connecticut public school teachers made possible by a grant from SNET. Former students continue to remark how much they loved her: the sound of her high heels in class, hallways, and for outside duty; winning multiplication table competitions against the upper grades; the planting of trees at a local convalescent home to cheer the residents; dancing in the classroom; her laughter and her dedication for them to achieve. Amelia will be remembered for her understated elegance and effortless sense of style. It was not unusual for a designer to ask her to wear one of his creations in a film or for an artist to paint her into a scene. She will be remembered for being proud of her Polish heritage. She had an audience with Pope John Paul II in Rome; honored her parents by placing their names on the Wall of Honor at Ellis Island; and for her love of Polish music, dance, and traditions passed down from generations. She will be remembered for her priceless wit and banter; her determination and work ethic; her sense of self; the love of family; and most importantly, the love for her children. Amelia is survived by her daughter, Dr. Julie Wakely; her son, Thomas J. Wakely, Jr., and his wife Marjorie; three grandchildren, Amy Salemma Doyle, Megan Wakely, and Thomas Wakely III; her brother, Joseph Novak, and his wife, Agnes; their children Stephen and John Novak; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving parents John Novak and Julia (Kurpaska) Novak; her husband, Thomas J. Wakely, Sr.; and her sister, Victoria Novak Stefenski. The Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of the arrangement. A Requiem Mass will be held on December 30, 2020, at 11 A.M. at St. Mary's Church in Jewett City. Interment will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery in Lisbon. Strict social distancing and mask-wearing will be in place. Those who may not or cannot attend, please keep her in your thoughts. The Gagne Piechowski Funeral Home 490 Voluntown Road Jewett City, CT has been entrusted with the arrangements.  For online condolences please go to www.gagnepiechowski.com

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