Mary L. Bendoraitis

Mary L. Bendoraitis, 93, of Harwinton passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
On a beautiful fall day, while sitting in her backyard with the sun shining, Mary closed her eyes and peacefully went home.
Born in Hartford in 1931 to the late Clarence & Ruth (Bennett) LaChapelle, Mary was the eldest of thirteen children. At 18, she married the love of her life, John Bendoraitis, and together they raised seven children. They found joy in every part of life - in the warmth of family gatherings, in cherished trips to Florida to visit friends and in giving back to the community. Mary was a proud member of The Ives-Cleveland Unit 137 American Legion Auxiliary Unit and served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts.
As a young girl, Mary loved school and music. She played the bugle in the Drum Corps - a memory she cherished all her life. Years later she bought a piano for her living room and sponsored lessons for the grandchildren who wanted to explore their own love of music.
Mary was a lifelong supporter of the arts. She adored the theater and was a season ticket holder at local theaters for many decades. She had a special love for classic country music and enjoyed attending concerts whenever she could. Amid the joyful chaos of raising seven children, she and John found time to join a square dance group and spent many happy date nights dancing together - a memory that still makes her children smile.
Later in life, Mary discovered a passion for treasure shopping, always on the lookout for something special to gift a loved one. Her home became a trove of fascinating collections, each with its own story. She loved to share those stories and the joy each piece brought her.
After her husband's passing, Mary found companionship with John Mazzochi, a fellow parishioner. United by faith and a sense of adventure, they married and spent happy years traveling to places they had dreamed of visiting.
A devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for over 70 years, Mary participated in the Mother's Club in her younger years and later served as a Eucharistic Minister. When Mary was needed by her church or her family she was always there.
Predeceased by both of her husbands, five siblings, and her beloved and deeply missed grandson Joe Bendoraitis, Mary leaves behind seven siblings, many nieces and nephews, her loving children: John (Chris) Bendoraitis of Lebanon, Tom (Chris) Bendoraitis of Rhode Island, Susan (Chris) Beyus of Harwinton, Tony (Betty) Bendoraitis of Florida, Liz (Paul) Hanlon of Torrington, Pat Bendoraitis of Harwinton, Marianne (Michael) Menta of Middletown, 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and a legacy of love that will live on in all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 78 Litchfield Road, Harwinton. Entombment will follow in St. Peter Mausoleum, Torrington. Friends may call Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 4:00-6:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect Street, Torrington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Hope Parish, P.O. Box 285, New Hartford, CT 06057.
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