Maryann (McKinnon) Garlasco, 77, of Norfolk, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2015. A former resident of Colebrook, and long-time resident of West Hartford, Maryann was born and raised in Hartford by the late Joseph F. and Gertrude (Root) McKinnon. She was predeceased by her husband Richard in May of 2009.
Maryann was a woman that exemplified kindness, warmth, empathy, insightfulness, and patience. She had a positive outlook on life and always sought to see the good in others. Maryann was a compassionate caregiver, taking care of her mother for many years as well as her husband. Her deep commitment to her faith, family and friends set a living example to all those that knew her.
Maryann graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Hartford in 1956. She then worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company. Maryann married Richard in 1961 and was his loving wife for 48 years. After their oldest child was born, she focused on raising her family. During that time Maryann worked various part-time jobs and took college courses. She eventually earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Holy Apostles College in Cromwell, CT. Maryann was also employed for many years at the campus as part of the Padre Pio Foundation/Mass Association and had a great love of St. Padre Pio. She was a gifted writer and authored three spiritual inspirational books, a religious calendar, other spiritual literature and a children’s book. Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, Maryann was an active member of St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in West Hartford and later at Immaculate Conception in Norfolk. She received the Archdiocesan medal of appreciation “St. Joseph’s Award” in 2013 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.
Maryann had a passion for music. She loved to sing and play the piano. Maryann relished singing with her sisters, sister-in-law and other friends. She shared her talents by participating in the Immaculate Conception Church choir.
Maryann is survived by her three children: Christopher, and his wife Sora, Marie Cavanaugh and her husband, Lee, and Ann Grubb, and her husband Kevin; and eight grandchildren: Aaron Garlasco, Charity Roddy, Sarah and Nathan Cavanaugh, Samantha and Joseph Grubb, Jenna Lee, and Brinden Fernandes. She is also survived by her two sisters, Beverly (McKinnon) Curry and Judith McKinnon and her sister-in-laws, Lillian, and her husband Edmund Keating, and Angela McKinnon. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. Maryann is also survived by Glenn Tillotson, a loving companion and devoted friend. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph McKinnon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 30th at 11 am at The Immaculate Conception Church, North St (Route 44) in Norfolk, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Office of Radio and Television, 15 Peach Orchard Rd., Prospect, CT 06712. Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of the arrangements. On-line condolences please visit: www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com