Willa Mae Flegler

Life’s Reflection Willa Mae Flegler, 84 departed this life surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Milford Hospital. Willa was born on July 9, 1933 to the late Jim and Louise Cooper in Williamsburg County, SC. She was the oldest of six children. Education was always important to Willa, she completed her education at Brown High School where she graduated salutatorian in 1951. Upon graduation Willa worked for Johnson Memorial Hospital in Hemingway, SC, where she met the love of her life Walter Flegler. Walter and Willa married in 1954, from this union came five children. Walter and Willa relocated to New Haven, CT in 1956 to raise their family. A devoted wife and mother, Willa always put her family first, she was a stay at home mom until her youngest child entered school. She dedicated her life to serving others, she worked for the New Haven Public Schools system as a teacher’s aide for 37 years before retiring in 2002. While there she worked at several schools throughout New Haven and Hamden including James Hillhouse High School, Roberto Clemente Middle School, Helene W. Grant School and Winchester Elementary School. She also worked as a teacher’s aide for Project Concern, a pilot program that bussed inner city kids to surrounding towns such as Branford, Wallingford and Milford. Willa dedicated her life to education and instilled this value in her children and grandchildren. Upon relocating to New Haven, CT she joined St. Paul U.A.M.E. Church where she was a dedicated member until she became ill. As a member of St. Paul’s Willa served on various boards. She was a faithful servant to the Lord and continued to keep God first in everything she did. Willa was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will always be remembered for her genuine love of others, her infectious smile and kind spirit. Willa leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 63 years, Walter Flegler Jr.; four daughters Linda Flegler, Patricia (Frankie) Flegler-Galloway, Tina Flegler all of West Haven, CT and Denise Flegler of New Haven, CT; son Walter (Cheri) Flegler of West Haven, CT two brothers John S. (Annie) Cooper of Hemingway, SC and Eddie G. (Madgeline) Cooper of Nesmith, SC; three sisters-in-law Sadie Cooper of Bronx, NY, Sadie Mack of Charleston, SC, Laura LeSane of New Haven, CT and one brother in law Frank (Joyce) Flegler of West Haven, CT. Three aunts Rachel Harriston, Celia Pressley of Philadelphia, PA, and Pearlie Mae Napoleon of New Haven, CT. Four grandchildren Cheri (Frank) Ramos of Clayton, NC, Chantel Flegler, Monique (Latrell) Carraway and Corey Galloway all of West Haven, CT. Three great grandchildren Layla, Carmelo and Latrell Jr.” LJ”. One special cousin Mary Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. In addition to her parents Willa was predeceased by her sister Ethel Lee “Dulie” Anderson and brothers James Marion Cooper and Charles Cooper.

Willa Mae Flegler

July 9, 1933 - February 22, 2018