Obituary of Barbara Jean Lapolla

Barbara Jean Lapolla 80, a lifetime resident of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home on June 29, 2021. She was born on March 8, 1941 in Norwalk to the late James and Emma Cerretani Tiani. Barbra was the loving and devoted wife to Vito Lapolla of New Canaan and mother of Jennifer Lapolla Mardorf.

Barbara was known for her kindness, beautiful smile, compassion, deep faith, and positive outlook on life. She was dedicated to her family, her faith and her two careers. Her first career began upon graduation from Marywood University. Barbara Jean worked for Andy Robustelli at Robustelli Travel in Stamford, CT for over 20 years. Her second career took her back to New Canaan High School, the school she adored and graduated from in 1959. Barbara was the Attendance Secretary at New Canaan High School. She loved the student body, teachers, administration and staff. They became her second family. Barbara worked at the New Canaan High School for over 20 years.

In addition to her careers, Barbara served the community through volunteering efforts and on boards such as The New Canaan Library and Waveny Care Center.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 53 years Vito Lapolla, her daughter whom she loved and cherished Jennifer G. Mardorf and husband Kevin of New Canaan. She is also survived by her brother James Tiani and his wife Linda of Oakton, VA. and a nephew, Matthew Tiani and his wife Joy of Vienna, VA. as well as nephews Joseph Vitti, Robert Lapolla, Louis Lapolla, Tony Lapolla, Frank Lapolla, and nieces MaryAnn DeFelice, Judy Strba and their spouses. She is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews, many of whom were as close to her as if they were her own children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday July 3, 2021 at St. Aloysius Church, 23 Cherry Street, New Canaan at 9:30 am. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan. A walk-through visitation will be held on July 2, 2021 at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Donations can be made in Barbara’s name to the New Canaan High School Scholarship Fund. Please send donations to the attention of Principal Bill Egan, New Canaan High School, 11 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.

The mass will be live streamed at the following link:

https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-mass-for-barbara-lapolla-koz4oemqpehiydgtnwk9