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Mary Van Buren Obituary
Mary was born in Greenwich and graduated from the University of Massachusetts before embarking on a career spent supporting equality and justice in Connecticut. Most recently, she served as a communications specialist with the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges.
She is survived by her mother, Jean Van Buren of Naples, Fla.; her son, Tyler Wilkinson, and his fiancée, Lindsay Grimes, of Manchester; her brother, Peter Van Buren, and his wife, Susan Van Buren, of Baltimore, Md.; her sister, Sally Schramm, and her husband, Bob Schramm, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and their families. She is preceded in death by her father, Martin E. Van Buren.
Mary was fun and adventurous, compassionate, and kind. There would be no more fitting a tribute than to embrace those traits in our own lives in her honor.
Memorial calling hours will be held on Friday, April 11, 2014, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Watkins Funeral Home, 142 E. Center St., Manchester. A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Fireside Commons Room of Manchester Community College. 60 Bidwell St, Manchester.
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested a contribution in Mary's name be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
www.ccfa.org
the National Park Service
www.nps.gov
or a charity of your choice.
To leave a message of condolence please visit
www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Van Buren
Scott Hempling
December 4, 2017
Dear Family of Mary Van Buren,
Out of nostalgia and fondness, I just looked up Mary on the web and learned this sad news. I was one of Mary's pals and colleagues from 1978-1980, when we both worked for the Connecticut Citizen Action Group. Mary knew more about solar energy than the rest of the state's population put together. She was quiet, dedicated, humorous and just wonderfully good-natured. She housemated down the block from me with others from CCAG. And she used to lend me her great car for my Sunday AM newspaper route and for my trips to Norwich CT. Such a fine, decent, special person. Please accept my sympathies.
Scott Hempling
Barbara Whiting Drew
October 12, 2015
Peter and Susan, Tyler, Mrs. Van Buren,
Forgive me for not knowing sooner,I have been afraid to find out I guess.... I was fortunate to reconnect with Mary in the fall of 2010 and it was so easy being with her again. I was glad that we stayed in touch even if it was mostly xmas cards; emails made it easier.
She was a great friend and housemate. She knew before I did that I would marry my then-boyfriend! Her wedding and my visit to your parents' house in Greenwich and Christmas caroling remain highlights in my memories.
There are certain times, foods that I make that remind me of her because we made them together or she introduced me to them.
I will hold you all in my hearts, I'm sure you still feel the loss keenly and will too.
Love and sympathy,
Barbara
Jean Baseel
April 8, 2014
Mary and I exercised at Court House Plus in Vernon, CT. We had many a good work outs together and sharing our stories of families and life. She will be missed dearly.
Mary Mushinsky
April 4, 2014
Always a pleasure to work with Mary--such a clever and dedicated activist. She had a mischievous sense of humor as well. Condolences to Tyler and the family.
Michele and Scott Hovey
April 3, 2014
We share your sorrow and also your gratitude that Mary's life has so much to celebrate; her well-lived life is a gift to all. We wish we could be with you and will hold your family in our hearts in a special way on her memorial weekend.
Love, Michele and Scott and all the Hovey family
Dorothy Grady
April 3, 2014
Mary was a wonderful person. She seemed to always remember the names and faces of those she met even if only once. She worked for great causes and candidates. She was soft spoken and hard working. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My sincere condolences to her family. I will miss her.
Dorothy Grady, Coventry
Tinker Sanford
April 3, 2014
I do remember her so well from Greenwich Country Day School. Sympathies to Peter and family.
Watkins Funeral Home - Manchester
April 3, 2014
With deepest sympathy during this time of difficulty.
April 3, 2014
My deepest condolences to Mary's family. Mary will be so missed.. She was a kind, gentle soul.
Karen Liquindoli (a friend from her hiking groups)
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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Memorial Events
for Mary Van Buren
Apr
11
Calling hours
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Manchester Funeral Home142 East Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040
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