(b. 09/15/47 m. 07/17/63 d. 05/11/2017)
This amazing woman was born 15 September 1947 and married the equally amazing David T Isherwood 17 July 1963. Don’t trouble yourself with the math, she was 15 and they were married for nearly 54 years! Her life included 3 children, Kevin (married to Sara) living in Seattle, Karin (married to Roxie) living in Wellington, New Zealand and Kristin Dombrowski living in Oakdale, CT. Mary, or Nonee as she was called, was blessed with grandchildren living nearby: Ashley, Nicholas, Madison and baby Geoffrey (d. 1995); and two step-grandchildren living in New Zealand: Felix and Sefton. Mary had 5 older siblings: Elmer (Skip), Robert (Bob) and Michael (Mike) Hayden, Grace Lively and Miki Fielding (d. 2014). Born to Sarah and Elmer Hayden she grew up and went to school in North Hampton, MA, and was married in Edwards Church. David was in the Coast Guard for 27 years, and the family moved from station to station until they settled in Oakdale in 1977. Mary worked at the Coast Guard Academy Exchange for 25 years where she made many special, life-long friends. After retiring, she joined Dr. Richard Benton’s office for part-time work and retired (again) when he did. Mary was a straight shooter and claimed a Ph.D. from the School of Hard Knocks; she was a people person who treasured family, friends and cruising, and not necessarily in that order. Mary made friends wherever she went and her Christmas card list was a thing of beauty. In their retirement Mary and David enjoyed cruising the oceans and the friendships they made on the high seas. Mary was an avid reader, in fact, she supplied the Raymond Hill Library with books! She loved hanging out with her grandchildren, passing out sage advice and hosting family dinners. In July 2014 Mary began a heroic battle with lung cancer, metastatic to the brain, which she bravely fought until May 11, 2017. When diagnosed, Mary chose to do as many cruises as she could and declared they prolonged her life. She had a strong belief in God and that guided her throughout her illness. Mary had wonderful care at the Smilow Cancer Hospital care centers in New Haven and in Waterford, and while in the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, and the family thanks all of the people who cared for Mary. A very special thank you goes to the Oakdale Fire Company and their ambulance. Those who know Mary won’t be surprised to know that she had some clear wishes, one of them was that she did not want a viewing or funeral; instead there will be a celebration of her life at the family’s convenience. Donations, please, to the Smilow Cancer Hospital 20 York St, New Haven, CT 06510 and or Masonicare Home Health & Hospice 22 Masonic Avenue Wallingford, CT 06492. Please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.
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