Marianne D. Derwin
Marianne D. Derwin, age 85, of Heritage Village, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Waterbury Hospital.
Marianne was the daughter of the late William J. and Elizabeth (Palomba) Derwin. She was a graduate of Crosby High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History from College of New Rochelle, in New Rochelle, New York, and earned her teaching certificate from Central Connecticut State University.
Marianne lived in Waterbury until moving to Southbury. She began her teaching career in the Waterbury School System at Hendricken Elementary School. When Hendricken School closed, she taught at East Farms School, and later at Rotella Elementary School. She taught first grade, retiring from teaching in 1993 after 31 years.
Marianne's loving family and circle of friends shared her love of opera, theater, traveling, the cinema, and entertaining. Her holiday dinners were incredible celebrations of family, food, and friendship. Marianne's holiday decorations in her home were a combination of beauty and elegance. She had an exceptional talent for decorating her home and wrapping holiday presents that were too beautiful to unwrap. She was an extraordinary gardener and always had the exterior of her home full of diverse plantings and color. Marianne traveled to Europe several times via steamship, sailing on many of the great ocean liners during their era such as the Queen Elizabeth and the SS France.
Marianne was a caring person who always helped her neighbors. She loved her cats and local wildlife. She was an advocate and activist for several causes, including organizations supporting human rights, civil rights, voting rights, and animal rights. Marianne was active in her condominium homeowner's association and advocated for condominium owners' rights before the State legislature. She was a very generous person, always helping those less fortunate than herself. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Southbury.
Marianne is survived by her brother, Joseph Derwin and his wife, Elena, of Harrison, NY, her niece, Elizabeth Morris and her husband, Josh, and her two grandnephews, Nicolas Morris and Andrew Morris, all of Redding. She was predeceased by her infant sister, Mary Elizabeth Derwin, and her younger sister, Jayne Derwin Vaughn, also of Southbury and formerly of West Haven.
All services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. Maiorano Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marianne's name may be made to The
ASPCA, either online at
ASPCA.org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">
ASPCA.org or by phone at (800)-628-0028. To sign the online guestbook or to leave online condolences for the family, please visit
www.maioranofuneralhome.com .
Published by Republican American on Oct. 5, 2025.