Hope H. (McHale) Halstein, 88, of New Britain died on Dec. 16, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was the beloved wife for 63 years of John G. Halstein.  Born in Pawtucket, RI, Dec. 8, 1921 she was a daughter of the late James and Mary (Mannix) McHale.

Mrs. Halstein was a Union Steward for the AFSCME, CT, Chapter 4 Retiree having been employed by UCONN Medical Center.

She was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Rhode Island and attended the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and the Paier Art School in New Haven.  She also worked as a photographer and manager of Loring Studios and Olan Mills.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Sheryl A. Cannata of Old Saybrook and Leslie J. Watkins and her husband Martin E. Watkins of Chester; her grandchildren, Carrie Legein and her husband Noah Legein of Old Lyme and Erin Cannata of Old Saybrook.  She is also survived by her nephews, James McHale and family of Orange, Conn., Joe Tarpey and family of Warwick, RI., Michael McHale of Indiana and the family of the late Jack McHale of Georgia, and two great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Samuel A. Cannata and her brothers and sisters, Gertrude Tarpey, James McHale, Dorothy Leavitt and Vincent McHale.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Dec. 21 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, New Britain.  Burial followed in Riverside Cemetery, Old Saybrook. 

For online condolences or to light a memorial candle, visit www.FarrellFuneralHome.com