Obituary: Marie E. (Costigan) Sunderland, 101, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home:

Marie E. (Costigan) Sunderland, 101, of East Haven, passed to eternal Life on March 9, 2021 at Branford Hills Healthcare Center in Branford. She was born in New York City to the late Patrick and Annie (Carroll) Costigan. She is survived by her son, Daniel P. Sunderland and her grandson Daniel P. Sunderland Jr. both of East Haven. Marie is also survived by her sister –in-law Peggy McCarthy ( +David) of North Haven. She is also survived by many nieces/nephews and grandnieces/nephews. Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel L. Sunderland of 56 years, her three sisters Catherine Costigan (Sister Mary Dolorice, OP), Ann Costigan (Sister Mary Jogues, OP), and Virginia Carlin; and her brother Rev. Hugh F.Costigan S.J.

Marie was educated in New York at Mt. St. Ursula Academy and received a B.A from Rosary College, now Dominican University, at the age of 20. A brilliant student, Marie earned an MSW (Masters in Social Work) from Fordham University. She taught for many years in East Haven after completing her teaching requirements and Masters of Education at Southern Connecticut State University. She retired in 1986 and become involved in volunteering at St. Clare’s Church and St. Raphael’s Hospital until her husband suffered a stroke in 1997. She was the caregiver to her husband for 9 years.

Family will receive mask wearing friends from 2 – 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Her funeral procession will leave Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home on Monday, March 15, at 10:45 A.M for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Avenue, East Haven, CT with Committal to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Vincent de Paul Church would be appreciated.