Rocky Hill Obituary: Mary Giangreco, 78

Mary Louise (Latham) Giangreco, 78, of Newington and Rocky Hill, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2016, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her strength and perseverance through her fight with cancer was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was the wife of Richard J. Giangreco for forty years until his death in 1999.

Born in Hartford on December 8, 1937 to the late Dorothy (Coope) and Henry "Harry" Latham, she attended Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary School, and graduated from Hartford High School in 1955. She began working at Royal Typewriter in Hartford, where she met her husband, Richard. They settled in Newington in 1962 to raise a family, and lived there for 44 years. She spent the last ten years of her life in Rocky Hill.

As her children grew, she worked at Newington Children's Hospital in the PEDAL department. She cherished the many loyal and lifelong friends she made there. MaryLou was a devoted member of the Holy Spirit Church, where she generously donated her time to her faith. She taught CCD for many years, and was always willing to help with fundraising efforts and countless other activities whenever needed. She also volunteered weekly at the Immaculate Conception shelter in Hartford.

Always passionate about her beliefs, she was a key participant in the successful opposition of the 1-291 Highway project through Newington. MaryLou was an avid traveler, reader, and theatre goer. She was a devoted fan of UConn Women's Basketball and the New York Yankees. She was happiest when spending time with her family, as well as her large circle of wonderful friends. Her love and loyalty were unparalleled.

A loving and devoted mother and grandmother, she leaves behind four children and their families: Jay and Michelle Giangreco and their son Greyson of South Glastonbury; Jeanne and Joel Karsberg and their children Evan, Leah and Brian of Medway, MA; James Giangreco and his daughter Gabrielle of Newington, and Joseph Giangreco and his sons Samuel and Jacob of West Hartford. She also leaves many cousins who were truly more like siblings to her. In addition, she leaves a countless number of friends who expressed their love and devotion in so many ways. She will be remembered by all those who knew her as a kind and loving soul.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 9, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 am meeting directly at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church Street, Newington. Immediately following the mass, she will be laid to rest at West Meadow Cemetery in Newington. Family and friends are welcome to call on Thursday December 8 (her birthday) from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Avenue, Newington.

Memorial donations may be made in MaryLou's memory directly to Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church Street, Newington, CT, 06111.

Her children have vowed to pattern their life in the footsteps of their loving, devoted, and selfless Mother. MAY GOD BLESS HER.