Barbara Spadacenta, 56, of East Haven, passed away peacefully, succumbing to her courageous battle with cancer, on June 24, 2024, at Middlesex Hospital. She was born Sept. 9, 1967, in New Haven to Jerry and Diane (Ferraiolo) Spadacenta of East Haven. Barbara is survived by her loving parents and two sisters, Edie Spadacenta of Guilford and Jennifer Spadacenta Bates (Anthony Bates) of North Haven along with five nieces and nephews: Alex Licursi, Zach Licursi, Emily Licursi (Miguel Muñoz Barruos), Cecilia Bates and Sophia Bates; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and godchildren. She is preceded in death by her infant son, Joshua Robert Corson (1997).

Barbara’s true passion was teaching. She earned her associate’s degree in education from SCCC and then worked as a preschool teacher at St. Andrew’s and Lutheran Nursery Schools. For over 20 years, Barbara was also a loyal, dedicated Stop & Shop employee who loved and was beloved by all her coworkers and customers. A lover of animals, Barbara had her own two dogs, Daizzie and Minnie, then found joy in spoiling her extended dog family members, Hazel Grace, Oliver, Bentley, Silas, and Maple, with unconditional love. She cherished visiting Disney with her family and especially enjoyed the ride It’s a Small World, finding joy in its humble message of kindness and harmony for everyone. Barbara meant so much to so many people.

She was well-loved by her many friends and fellow church members. Her everlasting positivity was the pillar of her family. Easy to please, she was grateful for any kindness shown, and she lived her life selflessly for the peace of everyone she cared about. In her last two years, she was never without family by her side. An exemplary patient, she made everyone’s day brighter despite fighting her toughest battle. Through her unfaltering faith, she saw this time of her life as a gift from God, bringing her closer to her family and the Lord.

Family received friends on June 29 in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Avenue, East Haven. A private burial will be at a later date at East Lawn Cemetery in East Haven. Donations may be made to Middlesex Health Hospice Program (tinyurl.com/barbmhhp) in memory of Barbara Spadacenta.