WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Elys E. (Viruet) Fontanez, fondly known as “Nelly”, age 78, of Waterbury, shares the news of her passing on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Waterbury Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of Luis Fontanez.

Nelly was born on March 8, 1947, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, the beloved daughter of the late Felipe Viruet and Dominga (Rivera) Viruet. In 1968, she embarked on a new chapter of her life by moving to the mainland United States, where she made her way to Waterbury, Connecticut, after living in several states. She was a dedicated seamstress at Ester Dress and also worked as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk at Carpin Manufacturing, Mattatuck Manufacturing and American CT Ring binder Company. She was known for her honesty, straightforward nature, and her unmistakable love for sewing, especially crafting her own beautiful garments. Her passion for cooking was matched only by her unwavering commitment to keeping things tidy, often found endlessly, ironing.

Music filled Nelly’s heart, and she particularly enjoyed the vibrant rhythms of salsa and merengue. Her spirit soared while traveling to visit her beloved sisters in Ohio and New York, and she embraced every opportunity to celebrate life — whether it was attending Puerto Rican parades, music festivals, or simply enjoying a meal out with family. A shopaholic at heart, Nelly delighted in collecting coupons from Kohl's and Boscov’s. Nelly will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love her. May she forever rest in the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior in peace.

Left to honor and cherish her memory, besides her loving husband of 55 years, are her daughter; Wanda Ruiz and her husband Alexis, her granddaughter, Ahnaylee, her great- grandchildren, Kailani, Jayziah and Zylus, her stepdaughter, Alexsandra J. and her siblings; Blanca Maldonado, Gloria Cruz and Alicia Viruet. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her siblings, Efrain Viruet and Crucita Rodriguez and her half- sister, Melinda Viruet.

Funeral services for Mrs. Fontanez will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Todos Los Santos Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 309 S. Main St, Waterbury at 10:00 a.m. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery in Waterbury. There are no calling hours. Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705 has been honored to care for the Fontanez family during this difficult time. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to send a message of condolence or words of comfort, or to share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.