Angela Polastri Orsene, of Cheshire passed away on Nov. 13 at her home. She was the beloved wife of 67 years to Joseph Orsene. Angela was born Feb. 10, 1931, in Milford, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Louis and Gina Ezzati Polastri, and graduated from Branford High School in 1948.

Angela majored in French and education at Southern Connecticut State University, where she received her teaching degree. She began her teaching career in New Haven before moving onto Southington High School, where she taught French and was the head of the Language Arts Department before retiring. She touched countless student’s lives with her compassion and empathy. Angela was passionate and extremely talented in the arts. She painted gorgeous scenery, portraits and still life in pastels that were on display and won awards at numerous art shows, including the Funky Monkey Café and Gallery and the Annual Visual Arts Exhibit sponsored by the Cheshire Arts League. She was also known for her stunning, themed Christmas trees and elegant singing voice that brought beautiful light and peace to her family and friends at the holidays. Angela was a sweet, kind, and caring woman who will be greatly missed.

She was predeceased by her sisters Diana Anderson and Doris Polastri and her nephew Peter Anderson. Her legacy continues with her son Mark S. Orsene; her niece Carol Miessau; niece-in-law Deborah Anderson; grandnephews and nieces Michael, Daniel, Christian, Caroline, Erin, and Anna Katherine; and great-grandnephews and nieces Jackson, Cody, Adriana, Winston, and Evelyn.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. There are no calling hours. For directions and her online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com.