Joan “Dolly” (Mandella) Chelli, 88, of West Hartford, died Thursday, November 23, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Dolly was predeceased by husband, Nunzio, parents, Stanley and Victoria Mandella, and brother, Jackie Mandella. Surviving her includes her treasured twin brother, Floyd Mandella - whose weekly calls made the saying “laughter is the best medicine” true - and his wife Darlene, children and their spouses, Mark and Caryn Chelli of West Hartford, Carolyn and Dan Pastore of Sherborn, MA, and Beth and Doug Edmunds of Ashland, MA. She was beloved “Gram” to eight grandchildren, Lauren, Lydia, and Brian Chelli, Allyson, Jack, and Wyatt Pastore, and Griffin and Kaitlyn Edmunds.

Born on December 15, 1934, in McKeesport, PA, Dolly was a resident of West Hartford for 59 years. It was here, with Nunzio, where she put down life-long roots, raised her family, and made wonderful friends.

She was co-owner of FSH for 35 years and worked part-time at Capital Area Health Consortium for over 20 years.

Dolly was an active member of St. Brigid Church and its Ladies Guild, where she chaired many events and served as both President and Treasurer of the Guild.

Her passion for fitness became a haven where many friendships were formed. She was always on her feet, whether walking through her neighborhood, in Zumba class, or dancing in the kitchen. Her coordinated outfits were never complete without a matching pair of sneakers.

Dolly collected many stamps in her passport, traveling widely with friends and family from Aruba to Italy to Dubai, and domestically to Cape Cod, Virginia Beach, and many Penn State football games and UConn basketball final four tournaments. Her lifelong love of travel most recently brought her to Poland, visiting the town of Poznań, where her mother once lived.

Dolly was at her best when surrounded by family, especially her grandchildren. With Nunzio, Dolly was always front row at every concert, game, and graduation for them. She enjoyed hosting everyone for Christmas Eve, where she shared her Polish traditions and started many new ones. The night was never complete without a visit from Santa Claus.

From all your family and friends, God rest your loving soul, and may your memory be a blessing from generation to generation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Caring Hearts and St. Brigid Ladies Guild, 1088 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110; WJMJ Radio, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712-1053, or House of Bread, 27 Chestnut Street, Hartford, CT 06120.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, (November 30), at 10am at St. Brigid Church, West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours will be Wednesday, (November 29) from 4pm to 7pm at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford.  Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com