Mary Haussler Soukup, of Arbor Terrace, Ansonia, passed away peacefully in the loving surroundings of her home with her family by her side on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.
A longtime resident of Ansonia, she was the wife of 60 years to Eugene Soukup, her high school sweetheart. Mary was born in Shelton, Ct. on May 17, 1927, daughter of the late Joseph & Mildred Haussler.
Growing up she enjoyed summers at the family cottage in Cedar Beach, Milford.
She graduated from Shelton High School in 1945 and pursued an art career graduating from The McDowell School of Art & Design in N.Y.C. Upon returning from her excitement in N.Y., Mary opened a clothing store in Shelton called the Seasonette and later became the manager of the Sears catalogue store in Ansonia.
Along with her husband and daughter, Mary also lived in Mexico and Illinois. During this time, her love of learning and education propelled her to start a career in art education, first attending Eastern Illinois University and then Southern Ct. State University where she earned her B.S. degree.
Mary continued her education at Southern and completed her M.S. degree which also gave her the experience to study abroad in West Africa.
She was an art teacher at Ansonia High School for 11 years and left a positive impression on her students.
Mary loved to travel and visited Spain, Italy, the Caribbean Islands, and much of the United States. She was very social and active, becoming a member of various organizations, including The Ansonia Friends of the Library, Ansonia Bi-Centennial Committee, Ansonia Historical Society, Catholic Daughters and local senior citizen centers.
Born to shop, she was always on the hunt for “treasures” combing through tag sales and church fairs. Mary loved the beach, butterflies, cooking, reading and having her tea time.
In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her loving and devoted daughter Cheryl & her husband Mark Welch of Bethany.
Her adoring grandchildren whom she was most proud of, Jordan & Derek Welch of Bethany, have fond memories growing up in her presence and treasure the time and love spent with her. She is also survived by her sister Karolena & her husband Angelo Cardella of Arizona and her brother Ted & his wife Agnes Haussler of Ansonia and several wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.
She will also be missed by her granddog “Cody” who enjoyed her scrambled eggs upon every visit.
The family wishes to thank VITAS home hospice care for their wonderful support and guidance. There will be no calling hours.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of the Assumption, 61 N. Cliff St. Ansonia for close family & friends.
The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, (http://www.jenkinskingfh.com) is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the animal shelter of one’s choice.
