Mary M. Barnowski

1929 - 2024

Mary M. Barnowski
1929 - 2024
Mary Barnowski of Manchester, CT died peacefully on June 28, 2024, surrounded by her family. Mary Bujaky was born on February 9, 1929, in Groveton, PA where she lived and met her husband, John Barnowski, Sr. They moved to Connecticut in 1947 and settled in Manchester, where they raised seven children, building a strong, close-knit family.
Mary was a consummate mother and wife of that era: caring for house and home with all of her energies. Her husband died too young, leaving her with seven grown children, a house, and her inner strength. Those elements sufficed her for over forty years, as she saw her brood marry, have children and, finally, grandchildren. Over that time, she was always gladdened and enriched by the presence of her family. She loved to watch as we talked, danced, ate and partied. One of her fondest dreams was to live long enough see great-grandchildren, which she did. She loved each child and each generation equally and totally, always the doting mom. She was also lovingly known as "mom" to many of her children's friends and in-laws. Mary asked little for herself as long as her family was close and intact. That family now collectively mourns the loss of their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband John, her parents Rose and Martin Bujaky of Groveton, PA, her brother Martin Bujaky of Coraopolis, PA, and her parents-in-law Mary and Walter Barnowski of Groveton, PA. She leaves her children: John Barnowski and his wife Kathy, of Colchester; Mike Barnowski of East Hampton; Rosemary Thibodeau and her husband Mike, of Manchester; Tina Ahrens and her husband Dave, of Manchester; Karen Stetson and her husband Chris, of Manchester; Patty LaPierre and her husband Bill, of Somers; and Annamarie Lynn and her husband Dave, of South Windsor. She also leaves her grandchildren: Deanna Thibodeau; Michael Thibodeau and his wife Kim; Dean Thibodeau and his wife Hannah; Sara Oishi (Barnowski) and her husband Ken; Jake Barnowski; Patrick Lynn, Jocelyn and Ryan Stetson; and her great-granddaughters: Madison and Julianne Thibodeau. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, and several "adopted" children.
Mary was the last of her generation in the Barnowski/Bujaky extended families. She was part of The Greatest Generation and will be lovingly remembered as such by her entire family. Special thanks to the staff of Manchester Manor Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, and to ECHN Visiting Nurse and Health Services of Connecticut for their wonderful care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Church on Main Street in Manchester at 10:00 Friday, July 5, followed by burial in St. James Cemetery on Broad Street, Manchester. Flowers may be sent to John F. Tierney Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.