Mary Frances Waxenberg

Mary Frances Waxenberg (Valente), aged 79, of South Windsor, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family in her "final act," as she joined her beloved late husband, Mark Waxenberg, on their 54th wedding anniversary.
Mary was born on November 19th, 1945, in Hartford, CT, to Joseph and Lillian Valente.
A bright student, Mary graduated from the University of Hartford and obtained her Masters Degree from The Hartt School. She began her career in 1967 at Sunset Ridge School in East Hartford, teaching music. It was here that she met Mark, her future husband, who taught math. Their bond flourished, epitomizing the famous quote by Stephen Sondheim: "Math and Music are intimately related." They married in 1971.
In 1985, the couple experienced what Mary referred to as "the miracle of Mt. Sinai." Despite being told she couldn't have children, they welcomed their son Christopher into the world. The arrival of Christopher forged an unbreakable bond among the three, filling their lives with pure joy. Shortly after his birth, they moved to South Windsor, creating cherished memories over the next 30 years.
Mary's life is a testament to resilience, love, and devotion. She will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to family, and her unwavering spirit. Her legacy continues through her son Christopher and the countless lives she touched throughout her journey.
Mary's journey from Sunset Ridge to O'Connell Elementary School in East Hartford in 1989 marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in her teaching career. Her dedication to both the classroom and the stage was truly unmatched. In 1996, she received one of the highest honors in teaching, being named Teacher of the Year. As one of her colleagues noted, "The teacher of the year award isn't always about one year. It's about what she's done over the years. She's an excellent teacher, kids love her." Her students echoed this sentiment, saying, "She dances around, and she sings. She makes it fun."
Mary is survived by her loving family and cast, including her son Christopher and his wife Nicole, her four grandchildren Mia, Avalene, Brinley, and Jacob, her brothers Joe and Paul Valente, her sister Patty DiCioccio (Valente), her sister-in-law Lynne Valente, and her brother-in-law Arnie DiCioccio. She also leaves behind her nieces Deanna Geraghty-Meehan, Lauren Valente, and Nicole Truitt (DiCioccio), as well as her nephews Michael Valente and Arnie Joseph (AJ) DiCioccio.
Her family will receive friends during calling hours on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 10 a.m., meeting directly at St. Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Rd., South Windsor. Burial will follow at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hartford Stage in Mary's name either online at www.hartfordstage.org or personal checks can be sent to 50 Church St., Hartford, CT 06103.
For more detailed information regarding Mary's life, please visit her Facebook page @ Mary Waxenberg.