Obituary: Mary Jayne “Mickie” Luedee, 77, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Mary Jayne “Mickie” Luedee, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to all whose lives she touched. She left us suddenly on February 12, 2022, at age 77. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James “Big Jim” Luedee.

Mickie was born on May 5, 1944, in New Haven, Connecticut to Charles and Jayne (Tufts) Simmons. She had a kind heart, could make you laugh until you cried with her infectious fun-loving humor and spirit, and was loved by all who met her. She cared tremendously for her family, friends, and beloved pets. Mickie was the heart of the entire family and a rock for all her children and grandchildren.

When Mickie married Big Jim in 1978, they brought two families together as one. Raising a family of nine was no easy task, but being the dedicated and selfless mother she was, she put her heart and soul into making sure all of her children were provided for and deeply loved. She cherished the years spent at the Greens with her family all under one crowded roof! Her children remember it fondly as a period full of the best kind of chaos.

Mickie took on many roles in life, one of which brought her and Big Jim into the restaurant business. They became owners of Country Kitchen and Bakery in East Haven. Mickie loved to share fond memories from her days cooking at the restaurant, and her love of cooking carried over into every family gathering she held or attended. Her family remembers the countless hearty Sunday and holiday meals she would selflessly prepare in order to bring everyone together.

One of Mickie’s greatest prides was being a grandmother to her many grandchildren, all of whom absolutely adored her. Spending time at Gramma and Poppy’s was always a special occasion filled with silliness and laughter. Her grandchildren will remember her as a generous soul and the “most hip” grandma around.

Even as her family grew and spread far and wide across the country, Mickie’s dedication to them never waned. She was the type of mom and grandma who would not hesitate to jump into a car to head up to Massachusetts or onto plane to visit California. She was never more than a phone call away, supporting her family members in whatever way they needed. It was abundantly clear to everyone who met Mickie that she was the definition of a loving matriarch.

Mickie created life-long friendships through her various occupations and her years growing up in West Haven. Her girlfriends were an extension of her family and she treasured time spent with them. She continued to bring happiness and love to all who followed her on Facebook. She enjoyed the pictures and posts that allowed her to stay connected to all of her long-time friends. Mickie especially cherished the support and outpouring of kindness she received from friends in her Pawson Park “family”.

Mary Jayne “Mickie” Luedee is survived by her adoring family including children Robert Golia, Jr., Eric James Golia (and wife Kelly), Thomas Golia (and Jen), Khristine Luedee, Kimberlee Chase (and husband Robert), Anne Williams, James Luedee, Jr., Michelle Luedee, and Jason Luedee. She leaves behind 11 grandchildren (Jonathan, James, and Oliver Chase, Rebecca, Lindsay, and Meghan Golia, Braden Luedee, Tyler and Jaden Luedee, Margaret Valle, and Zachary Williams), three great-grandchildren, her brother Patrick Vardaro, Sr. (and wife Gail), her sister Betsy Patten (and husband Gary), and many other dear family members. She also leaves behind her beloved “fur baby,” Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in her name.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 17, 2022 with a celebration of life to follow.