Nancy Fili Haslam

February 21, 1947 - October 14, 2026

Nancy Fili Haslam, 79, of Westbrook, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, after a difficult illness. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now resting in peace.  

Born on February 21, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey, Nancy was the daughter of the late Ferdinand P. Fili and Filomena (Yannazzo) Fili. She grew up in Livingston, New Jersey, and graduated from Livingston High School. She continued her studies at Newark State College, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. She later became certified as a Special Education Teacher and earned a Master's Degree in Education. She was a teacher in the Parsippany Troy Hills School District for 38 years. 

While a resident of New Jersey, Nancy was a longtime member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Morris Plains, where she served on the Vestry, and was an usher, lay reader and lay eucharistic visitor. She also volunteered for various organizations including The Morris Museum, The Morris County Jail, JBWS Domestic Violence Shelter, Eric Johnson House, Homeless Solutions, Habitat for Humanity, The Interfaith Food Pantry, The Folk Project and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

Nancy moved to Westbrook, Connecticut, in 2013 to be closer to her family. While living there, she became an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Essex, where she led the Prayer Shawl Ministry for many years.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, David W. Haslam, and her stepson, David W. Haslam, Jr. She is survived by her son, James and his wife Bethany; her grandchildren, Cole and Julia; her sisters, Grace Maguire (Larry) and Louise Fili (Steve Heller); her niece and nephews, Katie Walton (Michael), Michael Maguire (Jessica) and Nicolas Heller (Naomi); her stepdaughters Susan McClure (Stewart) and Carrie Vallachi (Rick), and by Wayne Englehardt, with whom she shared a loving and supportive relationship.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episocal Church, 3 Cross Street, Essex, Connecticut, on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10:00am. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Nancy's family extends a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and caregivers at Yale Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 422, Essex, CT 06426.