Photo courtesy of Spinelli - Ricciuti Funeral Home - Ansonia
Ansonia, Connecticut
Aug 21, 1950 – Oct 4, 2025
NAUGATUCK: Mary E. (Martin) Sears, age 75, entered eternal rest on October 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Bridgeport on August 21, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Martin Sr. and Gladys Calkins Martin. Mary resided in Naugatuck. She was a hard worker and employed by the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, in highway maintenance, where she loved driving her trucks, until her retirement. Following retirement, she worked for the City of Bridgeport Parks Department, where she proudly drove her Madvac street sweeper. Mary was loud, vibrant, hilarious, and full of so much love. She had a way of walking into a room and instantly becoming the center of attention, people were just drawn to her. She told stories like no one else, laughed like she meant it, and had a joke ready for any situation. Mary was a woman of many passions. She enjoyed taking care of stray cats as well as feeding her raccoon families who visited her nightly for many years. She was a lover of books, classic films, and collecting things that brought her joy, especially anything steampunk. Mary had a creative soul and a deep appreciation for beauty in all forms, but more than anything, she loved being with people, laughing, talking, debating, and joking. She could keep a conversation going for hours and make a stranger instantly feel like family. Mary was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Mary Martin (Glenn Kelly), Wendy Sears (Jack Pietrafesa), and Cynthia Sears, grandchildren, Crystal Purcaro, Jackie Pietrafesa, Jakob Sears, Brianna Daisey, and Samantha Pietrafesa, great-granddaughter, Alexis Purcaro, loving brothers, Fred Martin Jr., and George Martin (Melinda), lifelong best friend, Lola Merritt, and lifelong family friend, Paige Brown, whom she considered another daughter. We take comfort in knowing that Mary is reunited with her predeceased grandson, JD Daisey and her brother, Charles Martin, both of whom she missed immensely.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Saturday,
October 18, 2025, from 2:00-5:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. At 3:00pm a prayer service in celebration of Mary’s life will take place. Burial will be private. To sign Mary’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
Mary, I am so thankful you aren't suffering any more. I've loved you since the day I met you. Everyone that knew you feel the same way. I'll be in touch with Uncle Fred often, so do not worry about him. Love you so much, Karen Adam, Navarre, FL
The Adam Family Karen Adam
October 10, 2025 | Navarre, FL | Family
Dear Mary. I'm so sorry to hear the loss of your mom. She was the sweetest and coolest person. When I first met her at your sister's tag sale years ago I liked her instantly. Know that I'm here for you. Love you my friend.
Darlene Puccilli-Voight
October 10, 2025 | Shelton, CT | Friend
Cindy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I met Mary when Jacob and my two sons, Marc and Jonathan, were in after school daycare together and remained friends for many years afterwards. Though through the years friends grow and go their separate paths, memories are always with us forever. Mary had a huge heart and will be missed. RIP Mary.
Laurie Cordone
October 09, 2025 | Naugatuck, CT | Friend
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary’s family, Mary was so much fun to be around. She was a real beautiful lady and we’re gonna miss her she was very well loved, RIP Mary
James Pagliaro
October 09, 2025 | Shelton, CT | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I may have not seen her for a long time....but I will never forget her! Sending love to her family.
Christina Pietrafesa
October 09, 2025 | Bridgeport | Family
Dear Wendy and Family, I’m truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mom. She was such a beautiful person with such a big loving heart. May God bless her in Heaven. Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories. Sending Love, Light and Peace to you and your family at this difficult sad time. Always Lorie Bishop and Family.
Lorie Bishop
October 09, 2025 | West Haven, CT | Friend
My grandma was the coolest grandma you ever met. Family gatherings will never be the same without her. She could tell you a story and you felt like you were there. She made the best corn chowder you ever tasted. One time she was flagging traffic and a car almost hit her. She ran over, hit the guys car with a cone and yelled “you almost killed me!” After a minute they were hugging each-other and laughing. She was the type of person you could never be mad at. She used to tell me stories about...
Crystal
October 08, 2025 | Naugatuck, CT | Grandchild
An invitation to be in Mary’s presence was impossible to forego. You knew what was coming. If you heard she was going, you made the extra effort because you were in anticipation of, literally, anything. A woman full of life with no annoying barriers. A breath of fresh air. She told you as she saw it. Her road was full of twists & turns but she was always up for the ride. Thank you honey for your kindness and genuine love for me, Paige, Chris & Lindsey. You always extended your hand & now you...
David Mel Brown
October 08, 2025 | Bridgeport, CT | Family
My sister LORIE BISHOP was best friends with WENDY SEARS for many yrs Mary was such a great person she told it like it was,my dad worked with Mary at DOT for years until they both retired.. They were good friends & us kids always enjoyed her company.. Mary always had a smile on her face .. if u needed it she could be stern too & tell u like it is
Also as sweet as can beif u needed a hug u got a big hug ! I haven’t seen Mary in years but I remember all the years she was around us !!!
Donna Bishop (DiStassio)
October 08, 2025 | Bridgeport, CT | Friend