Marie Corridon Mortell

Marie Corridon Mortell passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at the Norwalk Hospital surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Dr. J. Donald and Louise Fitzpatrick Corridon, she was born at the Georgetown Hospital, Washington D.C. where her father was an Assistant Professor of Surgery. Shortly thereafter her family moved to East Norwalk where her father began a medical practice.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Edwin Mortell.

She is survived by her seven children, Maureen Mortell Koziol and her husband, Dr. Joseph Koziol of New Jersey, Michael Mortell and his wife Bethlam Forsa of New York City, Kerry Mortell of Los Angeles, CA, Kate Mortell of Weston, Sheila Mortell Stolarski and her husband, Edward of Weston, Margaret Mortell Montesi and her husband, John of Riverside, CT and Anne Marie Mortell of New York City. She is survived by 11 grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers, John Corridon of Falmouth, MA and James Corridon of Wilton.

Marie learned to swim at The Longshore Club in Westport, CT at the age of 5 and it became readily apparent that she had a natural ability and much potential as a speed swimmer. This resulted in her becoming a National Champion in the 100 yard freestyle in 1948 breaking the existing U.S, record in that event. She won this event again in 1950. In 1948 Marie was on the 400 meter freestyle relay team in the London Olympic Games, winning gold and setting a new Olympic record in the process.

Marie attended St. Joseph''s Parochial School in South Norwalk, Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford, CT and Marymount College in New York City.

After the Olympics, Marie worked for the United States Olympic Committee reporting to its President, Avery Brundage. She was later employed as an executive secretary at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. Upon returning to Norwalk, Marie worked in the public relations department of the Norwalk Hospital.

Friends may call on Monday, May 31st from 4 to 8 P.M. at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, Ct.

Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas Church, East Avenue on Tuesday, June 1st at 11 A.M.

A private family internment will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Southbury, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie''s name to Norwalk Hospital Foundation, Stevens St., Norwalk, CT 06850 or USA Swimming Foundation, 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 would be greatly appreciated.

To send a note or condolence to the family, please visit www.collinsfh.com