Mary Jane Talerico

1934 - 2025

Mary Jane Talerico
June 27, 1934 - May 10, 2025
Mary Jane Talerico, 90, of Cheshire, passed away on May 10, 2025, at Yale New Haven Hospital, Saint Raphael Campus, with her two daughters by her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of over 60 years, Robert L. Talerico.
Born June 27, 1934, in Utica, NY, to Italian immigrants, Pasquale and Mary (Ruggiero) Pacciarelli, Mary Jane was an only child. She graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1952 and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Utica University in 1956. She began her teaching career in Utica and later taught in East Lansing, MI.
In 1958, she married her high school sweetheart and moved to Michigan. From 1961 to 1963, they lived at Ft. Johnson (formerly Ft. Polk), LA, and Ft. Sam Houston, TX, during Bob's Army service. In 1964, they relocated to Harrisonburg, VA, and in 1966, settled in Cheshire, where they built their home and raised three children.
Mary Jane was a devoted mother, dedicated homemaker, and beloved substitute teacher in the Cheshire Public Schools for more than 30 years. She also taught CCD at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish. Known for her warmth, compassion, and selflessness, she created a home filled with love, home-cooked meals, handmade clothes, animals, and open arms for friends and neighbors.
She adored her grandchildren and treasured visits with them in Kentucky, Missouri, and Cheshire. Mary Jane loved historical fiction, Hallmark movies, sweet treats, and shoreline drives with her husband. Her generosity, gentle nature, and joyful laugh left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Mary Jane is survived by her children: Richard L. Talerico (Elizabeth) of Wildwood, MO, Robin A. Storrs and Christine M. Talerico, both of Cheshire; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her cherished pets, Tuppy and Sunshine.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and medical staff who supported Mary Jane in her final years, especially Dr. Ramnath Hebbar, Dr. Colin Brien, Dr. Nora Segar, and caregivers, Abida, Mymy, and Ruki.
Calling hours were held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 S. Main St., Cheshire. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Thursday, May 15, for a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, followed by burial at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats at www.feralct.org . To leave condolences, visit www.fordfh.com .