Mary Rasinski

Mary R. Rasinski (Aylor)
It is with great sadness that the family of Mary R. Aylor announces her passing on Saturday September 23, 2017 at the age of 94.
Mary Kathleen Rasinski (Aylor) was born October 3, 1922, the youngest of eight children of William and Anna Rasinski of Ansonia, CT. During her childhood, Mary's family relocated to Elizabeth, N.J. where she then graduated high school and worked as a secretary. She joined the Navy and was a Yeoman First Class as a Wave. This was during WWII and that is when she met her future husband, Joseph Aylor. Joe was a southern gentleman from Pulaski, VA who was also in the Navy. They married in New Orleans on July 18, 1946. They both attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where Joe studied Civil Engineering. He eventually would become a project supervisor for Turner Construction Company and be in charge of the construction of many skyscrapers in major cities. His career would take them to N. Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Colorado and California. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker and a dedicated community and nonprofit volunteer. She also played a mean game of bridge and was still playing up until her death.
After Joe's death in 1984, Mary moved to CT to be closer to family, namely her daughter Joanne and niece Mary Ann. She would live in Huntington, CT for 29 years and while there was a volunteer at Bridgeport Hospital in the Surgease unit, a position arranged by Mary Ann's Husband Dr. Tony Musto. She was known as "Aunt Mary" and spent her time talking to and comforting the families of patients having surgery. It was an experience she cherished and would do so for more than 20 years. She also was very active in Rotary Club.
Daughter Joanne and her family moved to the Berkshires, and when Mary's health began to decline in 2013, Mary moved to Kimball Farms Life Care. She lived in the Independent Living unit and made many friends. She played bridge 2-3 times/week, was on the "Art in the Halls" committee and joined in the many social activities and trips. Mary also enjoyed going to casinos and shopping. She was known for her sharp mind and memory, beautiful clothes and jewelry and her gift of gab. She dearly loved the staff at Kimball Farms and they were wonderful to her. Many thanks to the many employees who made a difference in her life all the way until the end. Thanks also to Dr. Sean Mullaly of Berkshire Hematology and Oncology for working tirelessly to improve the quality of her life as her disease progressed.
Mary is survived by her daughter Joanne Santella, son-in-law Mark and grandchildren Amy and Christopher. She was also especially close to her niece Mary Ann and her extended family.
Funeral Notice - Per Mary's wishes, she was cremated and will be reunited with her husband in the family plot at a later date. A celebration of her life will be held at Kimball Farms in the near future. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mary's memory can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Berkshire Humane Society in care of DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 BRADFORD ST. PITTSFIELD MA 01201. To share a memory or condolence with Mary's family please visit www.deryfuneralhome.com