Beloved Former Long-Time East Haven Educator Found Murdered

EAST HAVEN, CT — A beloved, retired 33-year teacher in the East Haven Public School system was found murdered last week in her Watertown home.

Maryann Stanisz, 70, of Oakville, was found dead inside her home on Jan. 9. Maryann taught her entire career of 33 years with the East Haven school system, with the majority of her time teaching freshman history at East Haven High School and retired in 2003, according to her obituary the O’Neill Funeral Home.

The suspect in her murder is still at-large. NBC Connecticut reports that she died of blunt impact injuries to the head and neck. Police say they believed the assault occurred inside the home. Her vehicle was found abandoned in a Waterbury parking lot. The police investigation is ongoing and as of Jan. 20 no arrests have yet been made.

According to her obituary, she was the widow of Karl Kibbe. She was born on October 18, 1948 in Meriden and grew up in the Waterbury and Oakville areas. She was a 1966 graduate of Watertown High school and then went on to further her education at Central Connecticut State College (University), graduating in 1970.

"Maryann will be sadly missed by her loving family and all who knew and loved her," according to her obituary.

Maryann is survived by her sister Barbara Winkel and her husband Carl of Watertown, two nephews, Steve Winkel, and his wife Kara and their two children of Monroe, and Robert Winkel and his partner Jessica Williams of San Jose, CA.

In addition, she also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and many cousins, and dear friends. Funeral services for Maryann will be held privately, at the convenience of her family.

Several East Haven colleagues and former students honored Stanisz's legacy. One person posted on her tribute page, "Maryann was a colleague and a friend throughout our careers in East Haven. She had a quiet smile that seemed to say it all. She touched many students in a positive way and was always willing to reach just a bit further to keep some of them on track."

"I am so sorry for the terrible loss of Miss Staniz - I was one of her students in freshman history 1981. I remember her well - I recall her always smiling and very kind. I’m shocked and saddened by this awful news. May she Rest In Peace. Her family is in my prayers," a former student shared.

To extend on-line expressions of sympathy to her family or for more information, visit www.oneillfuneralhome.com.

Photo via O’Neill Funeral Home