Mary Carolyn Condon

New London - Mary Carolyn Condon, 87, wife of the late Honorable Thomas P. Condon, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, after a long illness.

Carolyn was born in Cambridge, Mass., on Sept. 29, 1922, to John Angus and May (Murray) Macdonald. She was raised in New London and attended Harbor School and the Williams Memorial Institute. She was a graduate of the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford and did post-graduate study at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. While in nursing training during World War II, she was a member of the Cadet Nurse Corps.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Thomas Condon, on May 19, 1945. After working briefly as a nurse in Petersburg, Va., where her husband was stationed with the army, they moved back to their hometown, where she worked as a nurse and nursing instructor at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital until she left nursing to become a fulltime homemaker, a job she embraced wholeheartedly.

Carolyn raised seven children, while also caring at various times for her mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and anyone else who needed her love and nurturing. The Condon household was always open to family and friends, and anyone who met Carolyn and Tom quickly became their friends. Carolyn's generosity, compassion, and selflessness were reflected in everything she did.

She was most at home in the kitchen, cooking and baking for family and friends or for church or club functions. She also was well known for her sewing, quilting, and knitting. She welcomed each new grandchild, and many other babies, into the world with a homemade Raggedy Ann or Andy, Paddington Bear, or floppy-eared rabbit. The knitted hats and sweaters she made were cherished and lovingly passed among family and friends.

Throughout her life, she was devoted to her church and the city she loved. She donated countless hours to New London's Catholic parishes and, after her children were grown, was employed as a caseworker for Catholic Charities in New London. She also was active with the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the New London Garden Club, and many other organizations. Her volunteer work garnered her awards from, among others, the Diocese of Norwich and the Confraternity of Catholic Women.

Carolyn seemed tireless. She was always the first person up and the last one to go to bed. Her frequent overnight guests would wake to find her ironing, watering her flowers, or happily doing some other household chore. Throughout the day, she was in constant motion and her frequent laughter filled the air. At night, when everyone else was ready to sleep, Carolyn was still going, putting away things and "just straightening up." She would stop just long enough to give a hug and say, "Sleep well, dear. See you in the morning!" It was one of her many gifts to make each person feel that he or she was the most special and loved person in the world.

Carolyn loved to garden and her flowerbeds brightened the yard. Although she loved to travel, one of Carolyn's favorite spots on earth was Guthrie Beach where she socialized with her friends and acted as lifeguard and swimming instructor to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, reading, watching movies and playing bridge with her friends. With help from her son Brian, she also learned to surf the Internet. She was a fervent fan of the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Irish, UConn Huskies, and Providence Friars.

She had a keen interest in the activities and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or other occasion. Even as she advanced in years, Carolyn provided rides to Mass and would visit sick friends. She lived her faith in a strong and quiet way, never seeking credit or attention. Her family and friends will miss her tremendously.

She is survived by her children, Thomas and Anne Condon of West Hartford, Patricia Condon and David Duranti of New London, Garret and Daria Condon of West Hartford, Deirdre and John Wyeth of New York City, Brian Condon of New London, James and Ginny Condon of Burlington, Vt.; and her daughter-in-law, Sherri Verrier Condon of New London. She also leaves behind her much-loved grandchildren, Carolyn L. Condon, Clare A. Condon, and John Thomas Condon of West Hartford, May Wyeth of New York City, and Thomas Laird Condon of Colchester, Vt.

She was predeceased by her husband, her brother, John, and her beloved son, David P. Condon.

The family would like to thank Carolyn's caretaker, Abigail Frimpong, without whose loving care Carolyn would not have been able to remain in her home. The family also extends its gratitude to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph's Church, 17 Squire St., New London. Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Thomas E. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the David P. Condon Memorial Scholarship at www.golffordave.com or the Haitian Health Foundation at www.haitianhealthfoundation.org