Dillina Briglia, 83, of Newtown died peacefully at her home December 6. She was born in Bronx, N.Y., June 20, 1932, and was a daughter of the late Claire (Cappiello) and Nicholas Briglia.

Ms Briglia was raised in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and attended Hunter College and Germaine School of Art and Photography in Manhattan. She was a professional photographer and owner of Dillina Studio in Newtown, specializing in family and children’s portraits, as well as animal photography. She purchased her Newtown home and property in 1963, delighting in the time she spent in her organic gardens, and raising horses and other animals for the past 52 years.

An excellent athlete, she enjoyed all types of sports and outdoor activities. Ms Briglia played, coached, and refereed girls and women’s softball and basketball, as well as boys 9 to 12 years old basketball in Mount Vernon, where she also taught swimming and served as recreational director. She was a 4-H leader for many years, hosting the club meetings on her Newtown property.

An avid boater, Ms Briglia especially enjoyed wooden boats, owning many types over the years. She loved sharing this enjoyment with family and friends. Miss Briglia was a longtime member of the Woodridge Lake Property Owners Board of Directors in Goshen, and served as chairperson of the Boating and Lake and Dam Commissions of Woodridge Lake. She was a member of the Antique Automobile Club, Housatonic Valley Region Chapter. As the second oldest of eight children, she was instrumental in helping to raise her younger siblings. She will always be fondly remembered as an adventurous, independent spirit.

Her siblings, Nicholas Briglia, and his wife Joan, of Newtown, Ann Addonzio of Pleasantville, N.Y., Donald Briglia of Palo Alto, Calif., Elaine Harper of Melbourne, Fla., Vincent Briglia of Brooklyn, and Donna Ferrara, and her husband James, of Brookfield survive Ms Briglia. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews who were the light of her eyes.

All funeral services are private. There are no calling hours.

Contributions to Regional Hospice and Homecare of Western Connecticut, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810 or www.regionalhospicect.org will be appreciated by her family.

The Honan Funeral Home, Newtown is serving the family. To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com.