Mary Ellen Slesinski

Mary Ellen Slesinski, 96, originally from Hartford,Connecticut died on September 17, 2025. Born July 30, 1929, she was the only child of James and Signe (Thorstensen) Donaghue. Mary Ellen attended St. Peter's Church and School where, under the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy, she received all the sacraments. On April 21, 1951, she married Henry Slesinski and was married for 33 years until his death on April 22, 1984. Their children, Ruth and James, were raised and educated in West Hartford. Sadly, her daughter, Ruth S. Lenihan, predeceased her mother in 2006. Mary Ellen worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation for 22 years, retiring as a fiscal officer. Her love of God was shown in many ways, particularly through her activities at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Rocky Hill (now Sister Josephine Bakhita Parish), including serving coffee after Mass, washing the dishes, knitting prayer shawls, gathering food baskets for those in need, visiting the sick, and serving as a Minister of Communion. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the St. Joseph's Medal of Service in 2003 from the Archdiocese of Hartford. Left to pray for Mary Ellen is her devoted son, James H. Slesinski of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and his partner Lisa DeLuca. Grandchildren,including her favorite Luis Andrew Almeida and his partner Rocio Barrera; and her favorite Zara Elizabeth Lenihan Baranski, her husband Tim Baranski and their son, Finn Leon Baranski. She also leaves a most thoughtful and cherished son-in-law, Edmund F. Lenihan; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to the BROOKLAWN Funeral Home, 511 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 9:30-10:30a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00a.m. in St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 280 Brook Street, Rocky Hill. Her burial will immediately follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, 157 Gilbert Avenue, Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Josephine Bakhita Parish or to the Sisters of Mercy Retirement Fund, 55 East Cedar Street, Newington, CT 06111.