Shelley Tylec

Shelley L. Tylec
“Art was her passion”

Waterbury, CT Shelley L. Tylec, 71, the loving wife of William J. Tylec, died peacefully at home on November 1, 2024. Her husband was by her side.

Shelley was born February 25, 1953 in Meriden, CT, the daughter of the late Leigh and Jean (Perreault) Burkhardt. Shelley graduated from Platt High School and the Hartt School of Music. She earned Masters Degrees in Music and Art from Westfield State University. Shelley was a proud and dedicated educator for 27 years in the Waterbury School System, retiring in 2007. She considered her students to be her family.

Shelley was a member of the Country Club of Waterbury and was an avid golfer. Not so much for the golf, but to be with friends. Art was her passion. Pottery, pastels and oil were her preferred mediums. Shelley was more than generous with her work, giving most of it away. She had a kind word and a smile for everyone. She was always interested in improving, taking continuing education classes until she became ill. She enjoyed spending time at her cabin in Haddam, CT; kayaking and picnicking with her friends.

In her youth she was an accomplished skier and volleyball player and was also a former Miss Meriden.

Shelley is survived by her husband of 37 years, William Tylec; her brother, Leigh “Chip” Burkhardt and his fiancé, Barbara Perzan of Haddam, CT; her cousins, Denise and Steve Fiedler of Ludlow, MA, Michelle and Michael Coppa of Wakefield, RI, Peter and Lee Perreault of Unionville, CT and Jules and Lori Perreault of Wallingford, CT; her sister in law, Lane Tylec of Boston, MA. In addition to her parents, Shelley was predeceased by her sister, Claudia Burkhardt.

A service will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 210 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT. Everyone attending is kindly asked to please meet directly at church. Burial will be private. Calling hours are Friday, November 8, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers and to honor Shelley’s memory, donations are requested to The Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society), 132 W. 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.