Thomaston- Mrs. Lydia E. (Zolla) DeFiore, 83, passed away on Friday, February 6, at her home with her family by her side. She was the widow of Armand V. DeFiore. Lydia was born in Torrington on January 23, 1932, daughter of the late Lawrence and Olivia (Cantore) Zolla. She was a graduate of Torrington High School and attended the University of Connecticut. She was a member of the Thomaston American Legions Womans Auxiliary. As a young girl she was a member of the 4-H Club where she raised National Champion Black Angus. She was an avid reader, a lover of books, and had an insatiable thirst to learn. She married and had six children, and over the years became a second mother to many of her childrens childhood friends. Her family was her life. The DeFiore house was the place to be, and all were welcome there. She was a listener, and a person of reason. So many people over the years have benefited from her wisdom and compassion. She was a friend in every sense of the word. In 1964 she and her husband Armand, opened Vi-Arms Restaurant in Thomaston which they owned and operated for 43 years, retiring eight years ago. To that end she broadened the number of people she cared about and her " Vi-Arms family" just continued to grow and grow. She was ever the giver. She will be remembered and missed as a beautiful woman who created so many memories for so many people. She is survived by three sons, Victor DeFiore of Thomaston, Stephen DeFiore of Thomaston and Carmine DeFiore and his wife Maria of Northfield; three daughters, Catherine and her husband Rick Darm of Thomaston, Laura Ann DeFiore and Chip Quinn of Thomaston and Christine Guerrera and her husband John of Northfield; one brother, Vincent Zolla of NY; nine grandchildren, David and Brian Russ, Michael, Daniel and Kathryn DeFiore, Casie, Nicholas and Alexa Guerrera and Olivia DeFiore; two great grandsons, Ricky and Henry; and her faithful friend and caregiver, Debbie Brague and several nieces and nephews. The family also would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her nurse Odell Gauntlett for the wonderful care and comfort he provided their mother. Arrangements: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 11, from 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. at the Lyons Funeral Home 46 High St. Thomaston. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 12, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Church. Burial in Hillside Cemetery will be in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Lydias name to ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) 366 Main St. Terryville, CT 06786. www.arfct.org

Service Information Cemetery Hillside Cemetery Thomaston, CT --> Visitation Wednesday February 11, 2015 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787 --> Service Thursday February 12, 2015 10:00 AM St. Thomas Church One East Main St. Thomaston, CT -->