Mary passed away on January 13, 2016 at the age of 79 in Waterbury, CT.  Mary graudated from Naugatuck Valley Community College and attended CCSU.   She worked for 23 years as a special education para-professional in the Waterbury School System until her retirement in 1996.   Mary was elected to the Board of Education and served as commissioner for 17 years holding leadership roles as the first woman president and vice president.  She was on the school building committee and was part of the dedication ceremonies of new schools.