Vanessa H. Mascola-Minnifield

It is with profound sadness that the family of Vanessa H. Mascola Minnifield announce on August 15, 2021 entered her Heavenly H ome at the age of 40 years old.

She is predeceased by her father, Louis Ne i l Mascola , and mother, Susan Hoyt Mascola . Vanessa will be lovingly remembered by her domestic partner Tommy Watson ; Jason Minnifield , though separated, remained dedic ated co-parents with ; brother, Christopher Mascola ( niece Sara ) ; sister, Lisa [ Mascola ] Shook ( nieces Angela , Christina , Nicole ; nephew Michael) ; sister , Rachel [ Mascola ] Roczynski ( nephew Tyler ) ; brother , Louis Mascola ; many extended family members; lastly, her absolute pride-and-joy three children ; Olivia (17), Jason “JJ” (6), and Dominic (5). Vanessa was undoubtedly not a regular mom, but a “cool mom” . It was evident how much unconditional love she had for her children , and always made sure they never went without. Not many kids wake up to a Christmas-morning equivalency from the tooth fairy for losing one single tooth.

W hile there may be a long road ahead occupied by mourning , may we also celebrate her life here on Earth by rec ount ing the memories that bring smiles to our faces. Let us not allow grief to overshadow her witty sense of humor, bold confidence, huge heart of gold, fierce independence, hard-work ethic , and les t we forget the amazing cooking skills that seemed to just be naturally acquired . She was also a wonderful basketball & softball player.

T he type of person who would be willing to help you out in a tough spot, lend a non-judgmental listening ear for you to be vulnerable, or even take a spontaneous trip to NYC , just because; that was Vanessa.

Born on April 7,1981 she was raised in Waterbury, CT and attended Holy Cross Highschool. As an adult she followed in her mother’s footsteps pursuing a career in nursing, wh ere her compassionate nature excelled. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic she tirelessly gave her all in providing patients with utmost care; all the while enduring health concerns of her own , unrelated.

Vanessa’s unwavering faith in God both strengthened and sustained her , weaving through life’s ebbs and flows , yet trusting in His plan regardless. She was never afraid to be her authentic self, which is both admirable and rare in an age where a façade is the norm.

In honor of her life, gone far too soon for our own human capacity to comprehend ; may we live effervescently, spreading love, kindness, and compassion where we can to others. Call up loved ones just to say hello; check in on old friends; practice forgiveness; be a pillar of hope because you never know what battles someone may be dealing with under a tough exterior .

​ While Vanessa will be missed tremendously by all those who knew he r, take comfort in knowing she is at peace, and her legacy lives on through her three beautiful children who will heal over time because they’re strong — just like mom.

To celebrate the life of Vanessa Mascola – Minnifield , family & friends are invited to a memorial service on Tuesday August 24, 2021 from 2 -4pm, located at Colonial Funerals, 270 West Main S treet, Waterbury, CT 06702. James R. Sanders Funeral Director. Condol ences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.