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Irma C. Cianfrano Matranga, 85, of Huntsville, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2014, at her home. Irma was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Rachael and Barnaba Cianfrano on August 24, 1928. In 1946, she graduated from Bridgeport Central High School. With a scholarship provided by a private donor, Irma was able to continue her education and earned a Bachelor's Degree in French from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut. She later went on to earn a Master's Degree in Italian from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. Irma taught Italian, French, and Spanish, and her Dept. Chair person teaching career spanned at Trumbull Connecticut over 30 years. In 1991, Irma retired as a high school French and Spanish teacher from Trumbull High School, in Trumbull, Connecticut. She was involved in her community and a member of the Italian-American Community Center and St. Raphael's Catholic Church. She served as Treasurer of Sigma Iota Theta, a Sorority of Italian-American Educators. Irma is remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, and teacher. Irma was a patron of the arts and frequently attended the theatre, concerts, and movies. She had a beautiful singing voice, an infectious laugh, and a giving and caring spirit. Irma is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Gloria Cianfrano, and a daughter, Melissa. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Edward Cosmo Matranga, of Huntsville, Arkansas, sons Marcial of Huntsville and Cian of Fayetteville, Arkansas, daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Scott Howlett of Hindsville, Arkansas and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Irma's name to Albertus Magnus College, 700 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Mary Jimenez, Irma's live-in caregiver and conscientious helper for entire family, for her support and love. Her hundreds of foreign language students and colleagues will pray with the family "Dios se lo pague". Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday March, 11 in the chapel of Brashears Funeral Home with Father Jason Sharbaugh officiating under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home www.brashearsfuneralhome.net at Huntsville.

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Irma C. Matranga

August 24, 1928 - March 2, 2014