Mary M. Shortell, age 87, entered into God’s light and joy on December 23, 2021, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by friends and family.
Mary was born in Waterbury on April 27, 1934, daughter of the late Eugene and Mary M. Prisavage Shortell.
She worked in private education for sixteen years as an elementary educator as well as dean of students at Putnam Catholic Academy. From 1969, Mary worked at Amity Regional in Woodbridge as a high school counselor where she received numerous awards as Outstanding Counselor.
Mary was a devoted member of Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia where she served as co-chair of the first Holy Rosary Stewardship initiative for nine years under the direction of Reverend Ronald Genua. She also served as co-parish council coordinator of volunteers for the annual Italian Festival for sixteen years. In addition, Mary trained parish lectors as well as served as a lector. She was also a member of the Rosary Guild of Holy Rosary Church.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her lifelong partner of fifty years, Therese Harnois of Ansonia, a brother, Ronald Shortell of Waterbury, nieces, Lori Ann Catanzaro (Charles), Jennifer Shortell Burnap (Scott) and Brenda Shortell, a Godson, Peter Zegzdryn, and Goddaughter, Laura Hansen. She was predeceased by a brother, Robert Shortell and a sister-in-law, Pamela Shortell. Special thanks to her many friends who supported her during her difficult illness, especially, Father Stephen Krugel, Deacon Richard and Mary Renker, Mary Gibson, Terri Wadsworth, John and Lucille McGinn, Ann Lorusso, Marianne Regan and a very special thank you to her devoted, caring aide, Donna Dominick.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at 10:00 am, meeting directly at Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Drive in Ansonia, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be private. Interment will follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. Contributions in Mary’s name may be made directly to Holy Rosary Church. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME in Ansonia has been privileged with the arrangements. To sign Mary’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit,www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
