Mary O'Connor Chamberlin

Sun City Center, FL – Mary O'Connor Chamberlin, 73, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed peacefully to be with the Lord on November 18, 2023, after courageously battling a sudden illness. Born in Toledo, Ohio, she moved with her family to Stamford, CT in 1966. She met her loving husband, Marc, while teaching in Winsted, CT and they spent 27 years in Torrington, CT, raising their four children. The couple moved to Sun City Center in 2005, where they enjoyed a fantastic retirement together. She is survived by her devoted husband, Marc, with whom she would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this Thanksgiving.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Francis J. and Ann (Odoski) O’Connor, of Sarasota, FL; and her beloved older brother, Thomas O’Connor, of Louisville, KY (wife Carol). Together, Marc & Mary were blessed with their four children: Tyson of Torrington, CT (wife Sybil), Joel of Trumbull, CT (wife Melissa), Kelly of North Attleboro, MA, and Scott of Dunkirk, MD (wife Jackie), and their nine beautiful grandchildren: Noah, Elliott, Dean, Tessa, Tanner, Nell, Braden, Brooks, and Benny. She is also survived by seven adoring siblings, Joseph of Exton, PA (wife Jean), Kathleen Creedon of Poughkeepsie, NY (husband Larry), John of Orange, CT (wife Julia), Sara Russell of South Windsor, CT (husband Doug), Martin of Barre, VT (wife Louise), Amy Berdusco of Bradenton, FL (husband Roger), and Jean Gallati of Fairfield, CT (husband Chris); as well as countless nieces, nephews and in-laws, both Chamberlins and O’Connors. Her entire family looked up to her, having set an incredible example of dedication to the things that mattered most in life.

Mary stayed home while her kids grew but enjoyed some ten-pin bowling while in Torrington, where she also substitute taught for 17 years. For her talents, she was once awarded, “Substitute of the Year.” Her colleagues and students alike were so thankful whenever she was in their classroom. Upon moving to Florida, Mary taught full time at Ruskin Elementary for 10 years. In her retirement, she enjoyed swimming, weekly Mahjong with friends, outlet shopping, fresh strawberries and especially, Lawn Bowling. She formed many close bonds and always danced around “champion” status, often playing twice a day. She made everyone’s day brighter just by being in it.

Mary loved doing puzzles, Wordle and Scrabble, and always had something fun planned for visitors, especially, her grandkids. Whether a quick, evening walk to the mailbox, or letting them jump in the pool in their jammies, she created fun in the simplest of moments. She was the “fun aunt,” always ready to turn something into an adventure. She absolutely treasured her role as a big sister, strong when she needed to be and empathetic in trying times. Her creativity was contagious as she set out to make the perfect birthday cake or Halloween costume and she always made the effort to pick out just the right gift. We are so grateful for all her friends, as she had incredibly close, inspiring relationships with so many people, throughout all stages of her life. Mary knew what being a thoughtful friend was all about and she set the standard for so many people.

Marc and Mary attended Mass regularly and set an example of loving Jesus for her entire family, providing a strong foundation for her children. She also showed us how to live with constant dedication to her marriage; Marc and Mary were inseparable and always fun to be around. She had extraordinary patience and a beautiful smile. She was kind, understanding and compassionate. Her faith, wisdom and enthusiasm for life blessed everyone she knew, and the massive number of friends and family who love her is a testament to her strength, kindness, and grace.

Her family wishes to thank all the medical personnel in the ICU at Tampa General Hospital for their unwavering professionalism and dedicated efforts, using everything at their disposal to treat her with respect, encouragement, and compassion over these past eleven weeks.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 9th at 10:00 am at St. John Paul the Great Parish (formerly St. Francis), 160 Main Street in Torrington, CT. This will be followed by a reception, welcoming all, from 11:00 - 2:00, at Salt 2.0, 84 Main Street, Torrington, CT. Those wishing to pay their respects to the family, in lieu of calling hours, may do so at the reception.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held in Sun City Center, FL, on Tuesday, December 19th at 10:00 am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd, Sun City Center, FL. A reception will follow, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL. Burial will be private, in the Sarasota National Cemetery, at the convenience of her family. Donations may be made, in Mary’s honor, to the National Pancreas Foundation or your charity of choice.