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BORN
1946
DIED
2025
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Mary Dessert Obituary
September 18, 1946 ~ June 13, 2025
Mary Frances Dessert, 78, of Northford, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025. She was born in New Haven on September 18, 1946, to the late George A. Dessert and Mary Eleanor Devino Dessert.
Mary dedicated her career to helping others as a Medical Technologist at Saint Raphael's Hospital in New Haven.
A lifelong reader, Mary especially loved novels-her favorite being the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. She enjoyed watching the television adaptation just as much as reading the books. She was also a devoted fan of the original Star Wars films and the Star Trek series and movies.
One of Mary's greatest joys was quilting. She belonged to a close-knit quilting group where each member received a quilt made collaboratively by the others. The person honored would choose a design, and each friend would create a square, coming together to sew the final piece-a tradition filled with friendship and creativity.
Every Saturday evening, Mary looked forward to her weekly phone call with her sister Toni Marie. They would chat about life and reflect on the Mass aired on EWTN, sharing their faith and sisterly bond.
Before becoming bedridden, Mary found comfort in visiting the hair salon for a fresh cut, color, and highlights. She always said that going to the hairdresser was more therapeutic than seeing a psychiatrist-and a lot cheaper too.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Dessert, and her siblings John, Carrie, and Mark. She is survived by her siblings Toni Marie Dessert of West Virginia, Alice (Robert) Bica of Wallingford, and Peter Dessert of Northford, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, June 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Keenan Funeral Home in North Branford. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at All Saints Cemetery in North.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Maribeth Stewart
December 3, 2025
When I think of Mary, I have so many different remembrances. I recall her dancing around the Micro lab at the Hospital of Saint Raphael. her long hair swinging which made what happened so unbelievable. I remember driving to the hospital in New London with my father to visit in those early days after the accident and your brave words as you told him how you decided to live and not give up. When you came home to West Haven I so enjoyed walking to your house each week and then taking you with me in your wheelchair for a walk to the center and the Green and then to my house before going back to your house. And I remember well how much you loved to drive over to my house when my nephew was little, watching his antics as he started walking and talking. You loved it when I would place him gently on your lap so you could cuddle him. And I still smile when I remember him exclaiming as your wheelchair was closed into the carrier on the roof of the car: Car eat Mary Wheels Chair! We so enjoyed our time together which became less when you moved to your home adapted for ease of use. How faithful Peter was in caring for you -as much as you would allow for you were so fiercely independent. Your many beautiful Spiritual Bouquet cards were treasured and I shall always pray for you each day, dear Mary.
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Lori Smith
July 20, 2025
You had a few years on me in age, and we´d laugh over the "old days", but we truly did share the same era and delights. I will forever be grateful you crossed into my life.
Lori Smith
July 20, 2025
I woke up today thinking of you. I found this, and my heart clutched, and I knew why, because I always kept this thought out of my mind, hoping to talk to you again.
You loved chocolate, anything in the color purple and watching NASCAR with Pete. Talking politics or religion was always a spirited conversation, and we loved Downton Abby. I used to send you the episodes on DVD every week, and once sent along a china tea cup, and matching saucer, so we could sip as we chatted on the phone.
You loved remembering your folks, their house and growing up. Times long past but comfortable in both our aging lives. You also loved your dolls with a passion! We would talk about new styles and prices, and especially, where you were going to put the new line and how beautiful each one was.
My friend, you were family to me, a voice of experience and one of reason, as well as a confidant and cheerleader. The world was a better place because of you, and now heaven has you back.
I will always miss you.
Lori
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Keenan Funeral Home, Inc. - North Branford330 Notch Hill Road, North Branford, CT 06471
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