Mary Elizabeth Giuliano

If Mary were to have written this obituary, it would be a collection of stories beginning with her birth to John G. and Mary Stefurak, her escapades with sisters Jacqueline Harms and Joann, brothers John and Michael as they romped the South End of Torrington with their culturally diverse friends. Included would be stories of her student years at St. Francis, Torrington High School, St. Joseph's College and the University of Connecticut followed by her twenty stellar years at Simsbury High School where she taught English and directed plays assisted by her musical director and lifelong friend, Betty Lilienthal Slusny of Cambridge, England, a collaboration garnished with their winning the Connecticut Drama Association Best Production of 1972. Marrying Vincent C. Giuliano in 1978, she amassed adventurous tales of travels throughout Europe, South America, and Asia while closer to home the Kentucky Derby, the Final Four playoffs, the NBA finals, and the Super Bowl whenever "her Chiefs" played. Her anecdotes would reflect her extended family members including her Godson, Johann Harms of Torrington, a Goddaughter, Caroline Barrington-Ward of London, England, a brother-in-law, Carmine Giuliano, Esq. of West Hartford, Vinny's daughters, Laurie Correll (Stephen) of Old Saybrook, and Christine Perry (John) of Plano, Texas; grandchildren Nikarra Drugan (Timothy) of Manchester, Andrew Montanaro , Jr. (Kelly) of Oxford, Amanda Herrera (Marcus) of Illinois, Audra Perry; great grandchildren Zoey and Lyla Drugan and Josephine and Thomas Montanaro ; nephews Michael and Carmine and nieces, Gina and Toni Giuliano.

After partnering with her husband in real estate, construction, and antiques businesses, she returned to education to teach at Bulkeley High School, direct Bulkeley Health Professions Academy with the University of Connecticut Health Center, and lead as project director of the Hartford's Secondary School Reform. Following her husband's death in 2019, she became a paraeducator for the CREC schools where her recollections would reflect her excitement once again returning to the classroom among colleagues and students who could "match her moves." She would not fail to mention in her obituary some of her proudest moments: receiving the Janet Linton Academy Leadership Award, the UCONN Black Law Association Contribuatory Award and the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Paraeducator of the Year Nominee. Prompting another narrative was her receiving her all time favorite honor, the CREC Excellence in Education Shining Star Award.

Today her family and friends remember the annual, traditional Christmas Eve parties, trips to the islands, especially the flights to and from St. Maarten, her poker tournaments, and shopping trips. Most will remember a tall, vibrant, bejeweled and sophisticated woman driven to details and her amusing conversations about family, friends, colleagues, Woodland neighbors, and even strangers, conversations delivered with laughter that could fracture crystal. If she taught us anything, it would be that we who tiptoed through her life and thinking of ourselves as ordinary were made extraordinary.

Mary's graveside service will be held on Friday, October 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Road , Bloomfield, CT. A reception to celebrate her life will follow. Memorial contributions in her memory may be sent to Cathedral of St. Joseph (notate Sacred Sounds) 140 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105.