Obituary for Mary Meade (Rusek)
Mary Rusek Meade, 96 of West Hartford, beloved wife of Robert L. Meade for sixty-one years passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday December 26, 2017.
Born in Hartford, Mary was the daughter of late William and Justine (Kida) Rusek. Mary grew up in Hartford graduating from Hartford Public High School in 1939, class Valedictorian .After high school, Mary went to work for the Aetna insurance company at a time when professional opportunities for women were scarce. Nonetheless, smart and hard working, Mary learned the skills necessary to become a Senior national underwriter years later when she went back to work, first at the Travelers then the Aetna, after devoting time at home to her two young children.
She was a member of St. Brigid's parish and an active member of the Ladies Guild, becoming Treasurer when she decided to retire from the Aetna at age 72. Committed to her professional obligations, Mary nonetheless had strong friendships which were a constant during her lifetime. In her youth, as a member of the Polish National Home, she enjoyed the Saturday night dances with her best friend Ann Armillei. Later, after founding families, the two remained close friends until Ann passed away in 2014. During her career years, Mary enjoyed day outings and movies with her good office friends, and her get-togethers with the "Meade girls", especially her sister-in-law, Lorraine, were fun times. She was a kind, loving and generous person who touched the hearts of all who knew her. She was a wonderful role model for her children and grandchildren.
Along with her husband, Mary is survived by son Michael Meade and Jamie Stross of Wethersfield, daughter Ruth (Meade) Roux and her husband Philippe of Viroflay, France; six grandchildren, Chris and his wife Elizabeth, Stephen, Andrew, Samantha, Meredith and Jeanne; and great granddaughter Piper. Mary was also blessed to have many warm and attentive nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Marina from Right at Home for her outstanding care in Mary’s final years.
Funeral procession will be Saturday, (December 30), 9:30 am from the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am at St. Brigid Church in West Hartford. Burial will be private. Family and Friends may call on Friday, (December 29), from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers in Mary’s memory to honor her kind and generous spirit- Please do an act of kindness. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
Born in Hartford, Mary was the daughter of late William and Justine (Kida) Rusek. Mary grew up in Hartford graduating from Hartford Public High School in 1939, class Valedictorian .After high school, Mary went to work for the Aetna insurance company at a time when professional opportunities for women were scarce. Nonetheless, smart and hard working, Mary learned the skills necessary to become a Senior national underwriter years later when she went back to work, first at the Travelers then the Aetna, after devoting time at home to her two young children.
She was a member of St. Brigid's parish and an active member of the Ladies Guild, becoming Treasurer when she decided to retire from the Aetna at age 72. Committed to her professional obligations, Mary nonetheless had strong friendships which were a constant during her lifetime. In her youth, as a member of the Polish National Home, she enjoyed the Saturday night dances with her best friend Ann Armillei. Later, after founding families, the two remained close friends until Ann passed away in 2014. During her career years, Mary enjoyed day outings and movies with her good office friends, and her get-togethers with the "Meade girls", especially her sister-in-law, Lorraine, were fun times. She was a kind, loving and generous person who touched the hearts of all who knew her. She was a wonderful role model for her children and grandchildren.
Along with her husband, Mary is survived by son Michael Meade and Jamie Stross of Wethersfield, daughter Ruth (Meade) Roux and her husband Philippe of Viroflay, France; six grandchildren, Chris and his wife Elizabeth, Stephen, Andrew, Samantha, Meredith and Jeanne; and great granddaughter Piper. Mary was also blessed to have many warm and attentive nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Marina from Right at Home for her outstanding care in Mary’s final years.
Funeral procession will be Saturday, (December 30), 9:30 am from the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am at St. Brigid Church in West Hartford. Burial will be private. Family and Friends may call on Friday, (December 29), from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers in Mary’s memory to honor her kind and generous spirit- Please do an act of kindness. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com