Margaret Sbriglio
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Margaret Sbriglio, 92, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2021, All Souls Day, surrounded by her family at her home in Fenwick, Old Saybrook. Margaret was a remarkable woman with a larger-than-life personality, defying her petite stature. She embraced life with enthusiasm, determination and perseverance and was a mentor to many, encouraging them to dream and achieve. To know her was to never forget her. As a pioneer in the nursing home industry, she started what would become the family business at the young age of 20, with a vision that the aging deserved better care. Together, she and her husband worked tirelessly for over 60 years to create a healthcare organization that has received widespread recognition for superior quality care. With her husband, she was the founder of the Aaron Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Chester and Lord Chamberlain in Stratford. Together with their two sons, they expanded to a total of seven nursing and rehabilitation centers in CT: Bel-Air Manor in Newington, Cheshire House in Waterbury, Douglas Manor in Windham, Greentree Manor in Waterford, and Mystic Healthcare in Mystic. They also established Ryders Health Management in Stratford, CT and Lighthouse Home Health Care in Old Saybrook, CT. With her family, she cared for thousands of patients and created thousands of jobs throughout her long career. She and her husband were very proud to pass the baton of dedication and service to their sons so that they could continue to carry out the family's philosophy of providing quality care. She was an icon in the healthcare field and leaves a legacy of service above self. Margaret was born and raised in New Britain, CT where she graduated from New Britain High School. She was drawn to nursing and received her LPN degree from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She started her career in 1950 with a 20-bed rest home in Chester, CT and went on to become a licensed nursing home administrator through the University of Connecticut. In 2007, she and her husband received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities for their distinguished work in the healthcare field. In 2010, they both received Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Humane Letters from St. Vincent's College of Nursing for their outstanding contributions and generosity to the nursing and healthcare fields. In 2018, she received the Florence Nightingale Award for a lifetime of nursing excellence. Margaret was an avid boater and in later years enjoyed entertaining friends while cruising the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. With her husband, she was also an antique automobile enthusiast. Martha's Vineyard was a special place that she shared many happy times with family and friends. She enjoyed family gatherings and serving her signature Italian wedding soup at all special occasions. A lover of poetry and quotes, she was generous in nature and spirit and an inspiration to so very many. A proud mother and grandmother, she is survived by her sons, Dr. Robert Sbriglio, MD, MPH, his wife, Catherine, and their son, Max; and Martin Sbriglio, RN, NHA, his wife Jennifer, and their children, Martin George, Amber, and Daniel. The family wishes to thank Dr. Peter Dixon, MD, for his remarkable care and concern, her home health aide for the last year, Ms. Chev Meek, and her many special friends who provided comfort and friendship over the last years of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Vincent's College at Sacred Heart University or the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook (The Kate). At her request, funeral services will be private, and a celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Arrangements are being handled by Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook (www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com).
"Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass,
of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind..."
-William Wordsworth