Vandelyn Todd Wright was born on September 19, 1933 in New York City to William Walter Taylor and Pauline Todd Taylor.  Vandelyn spent her early years in New York, enjoying ballet dancing, horseback riding, swimming, and playing tennis.  She graduated from George Washington High School in upper Manhattan and is an alumnus of Pratt University School of Design, following in her mothers’ footsteps.  She began her career working as a fashion and hat designer before her marriage to Ret. Col Franklin C. Wright, USAF (pre-deceased 2010). Vandelyn was a devoted ‘Officers Wife’ traveling the United States and raising their 2 children, Paula and Henry.  She remained state-side with them while Frank served his country overseas.  She continued her education everywhere that they were stationed and graduated with an Associate of Art Degree in Early Childhood Education from Springfield College and later a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  She expanded her many talents to include: designing clothes, pottery, ceramics, floral arrangement and design, upholstery and gardening.  She was active in the NAACP and participated in local, social and civic activities. While residing in Holyoke, she worked initially as a Head Start teacher, a preschool teacher in Springfield, Northampton and Easthampton, and later as a tutor at Holyoke Community College, prior to her retirement.  She and Frank supported and raised numerous family members in their home and were always noted to extend a helping hand to others.  All were openly welcomed in their home.  Vandelyn led her life with purity of the heart, chutzpah, veracity, righteousness and goodness, virtues that she instilled in all the lives she touched. She leaves her children; Paula Wright and her husband Kirk; Henry Wright, his wife Mary and their son Trevor; Godchildren Nancy Findlayson, Brian Burns, Leighman Harris, Celeste Wallace, as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, family, friends and extended military family. A funeral service will be held Friday at 12:00 pm in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. Holyoke, MA. Calling hours will be held prior from 10:00am to 12:00 pm. Burial and committal prayers will follow at 2:00pm in the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam, MA.