HAMDEN - Maria Carmela Colandrea Chiarelli, 91, a resident of Hamden since 1947, a hospital administrative assistant, and the adored matriarch of the Chiarelli family, died August 1st, at Whitney Manor Rehabilitation Center, due to a heart related illness. She was born on June 6, 1920 in New Haven to Pasquale Colandrea, originally of Vitulano, Italy and Maddalana Criscuolo Colandrea, originally of Amalfi/Atrani, Italy. She was a devoted daughter who after moving to Hamden in 1947 continued to visit her parents every day in New Haven for as long as they lived. Maria was predeceased by her brothers, Paul and Anthony Colandrea. After high school, she began working as a seamstress, and sewing remained a talent throughout her life. In 1941, Maria married Victor E. Chiarelli, Sr., a New Haven insurance agent for his entire career, and they were the parents of four children. Regarding her love of family, Maria led by example, was always the center of laughter and full of advice. Her use of Italian proverbs and adages was legendary. She was an extraordinary cook of Italian cuisine. In following years when her children were older, she worked at Yale New Haven Hospital over 20 years until her retirement in 1982. Maria was predeceased by her husband in 1989. She resided in Hamden at Congregate Housing in an independent living facility in her later years of life. She is survived by four children: Attorney Joseph Chiarelli, Lynn Williams, Joyce Dubiel, and Dr. Victor E. Chiarelli, Jr.; by seven grandchildren: Attorney Maria Chiarelli, Attorney Tara Chiarelli, Dr. Tanya Chiarelli Ave'Lallemant, Dr. Dawn Massey, Stephanie Vestal, Talia Chiarelli Grossi and Victor Chiarelli III; and by eleven great grandchildren: Joseph and Andrew White; Claire, Kelly and Carly Fresher; Harrison, Abigal and Sophia Ave'Lallemant; B.J. and Jessica Massey; and Gabriella Vestal. B. C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford is in charge of the funeral arrangements. A graveside Catholic service will be held at St. Bernard's Cemetery on Saturday, August 6th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Maria's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.