Mary Brooks Grabowski

Mary Brooks Grabowski
Mary Brooks Grabowski, 90, of Ellington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in Manchester. She was born in Westbrook, Maine, on June 7, 1935, to the late Harlan and Irene Alcorn.
Mary earned her bachelor's degree from Gorham University and master's degree from Central Connecticut State University. She taught in a one-room classroom in New Hampshire, then moved on to teach generations of students as an elementary school teacher at Center Road School in Vernon for over 25 years. Mary was also a longtime member of the Rockville United Methodist Church, where she found both strength and lasting friendships in that community.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary touched countless lives with her gentle spirit, wisdom, and unwavering kindness. She found joy in life's simple pleasures like watching birds, socializing over coffee with Carol Barcomb, playing bridge with friends, and spending quiet afternoons rocking in her favorite chair. Mary and Rich traveled to Alaska and Europe and made numerous trips to Maine to enjoy the beaches. Their favorite trip was with her son, Joel, driving cross-country to the west coast. She was also an avid reader and especially enjoyed mystery novels.
She is survived by her loving husband of over 48 years, Richard H. Grabowski of Ellington; her daughter, Gail Liszewski, and her husband, Tony, of Lynchburg, VA; her twin sons, Mark Hodgson and Glen Hodgson, both of Ashford; and her son, Joel Hodgson of Ellington; Her three cherished grandchildren, Josh Hodgson and his children, Harlan, Luke, and Penelope, Emily Perrotti and her son, Leo, and Allison Hodgson; several nieces, nephews, and their families; and her best friend, Jan Starkweather of Ellington. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Phillip Hodgson, and her brother and sister, Bob and Shirley Alcorn.
All are welcome to join the family at the Ladd Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road, Vernon, CT 06066 on Friday, July 25, 2025, for a calling hour from 10-11 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Ellington Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.donorservices.alz.org To leave an online condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com