Obituary: Mary Southard, 95, of Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, CT — Mary Crowell Southard, age 95, of Brookfield passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Friday, March 3, 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late Randolph Southard.

She was born in Providence, RI, on December 11, 1921, a daughter of the late Horace A. and Ella (Miller) Crowell. Mary enjoyed a long career as a secretary working for the principal of Moses Dewitt Elementary School, then later in life at Pepperidge Farm concluding her career at Perkin Elmer as Executive Secretary to Admiral Nimitz. She was an accomplished master quilter, a golfer, voracious reader, sailor and bridge player; she enjoyed traveling, especially to lakes and oceans. She was a "witty lady" who was always up for an adventure. She was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph Church, Brookfield. Mary was most proud of her children, especially of her sons and the men that they've become.

Mary is survived by her 4 children: Barbara Southard Murphy of Brookfield; Peter Southard and his wife, Donna of Morris Plains, NJ; Michael Southard and his wife, Jackie of Baldwinsville, NY; and Randolph Southard and his wife, Shirley, of Marco Island, FL; 8 grandchildren: Christopher Southard, Tracey Borden, Matthew Southard, Samantha Southard, Ryan Southard, Scott Southard, Shaylyn Murphy, and Kieran Murphy; 5 great grandchildren: Kelli Southard, Robert Southard, Lilly Southard, Luke Borden and Madison Borden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Regional Hospice and Home Care, 30 Milestone Rd, Danbury, CT 06810.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 8 at St. Joseph Church, Brookfield; cremation will follow. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury on Tuesday, March 7 from 6:00- 9:00pm.

Obituary courtesy of the Cornell Memorial Home.