Marie Hortense Inglese

Marie Hortense (Obschatko) Inglese of Ridgefield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, surrounded by family. She was 85 years old.

Marie, also known by friends and loved ones as Otty and Memé, was born to Jaime and Maria Ines (Zabalua) Obschatko on August 27, 1938 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Marie enjoyed a rich academic and family life, starting off in medical school at 18 years of age, then changing career paths, earning a teaching degree and moving to the United States after falling in love and marrying Oswald "Ozzie" Inglese, her husband of more than 66 years, on December 15, 1957.

Marie led an impassioned career steeped in world languages, first working as a translator for the National Labor Relations Board at the New Jersey Supreme Court, then working for the Berlitz International School in New Jersey teaching and training professionals in Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Marie and her growing family then made Connecticut their new home for the next 55 years (50 of those years in Ridgefield).

While raising her family, Marie earned a Master's Degree in Education from Fairfield University, becoming a faculty member teaching there for over 15 years. She tutored many generations of students; wrote the first curriculum for Ridgefield Public Schools for MultiLingual Learners; taught Spanish and English in Ridgefield's Adult Education program; and helped numerous lawyers and law enforcement officials with translations.

Marie was active in her community, volunteering as den mother for her children's Cub Scout and Brownie troops, president of her children's school PTA Boards, and vice president for the League of Women Voters, to name a few. In addition to her family and professional life, Marie was a prolific reader and a gifted cook who loved classical music, knitting and traveling.

Marie is survived by her son, Oswald Inglese, Jr and his wife Martha (Lemmon), her daughter Daniela (Inglese) Silvestri and her husband Stephen Silvestri, her granddaughters Jemma and Samantha Silvestri, and by her sister Susan (Obschatko) Tealdi. Marie is predeceased by her parents and her loving husband Ozzie who recently passed away on April 22, 2024.

In accordance with Marie's wishes, a private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie's name to Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Ridgefield.