Marianne Harden

Marianne Harden, 56, of East Hartford, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, (February 18, 2009) at Hartford Hospital with her caring and loving family by her side. Born in Hartford on February 21, 1952, a daughter of Mary (Trevison) Harden and the late Maurice 'Moe' L. Harden, Marianne had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. Marianne was a graduate of George J. Penney High School in East Hartford, Class of 1970 and attended Manchester Community College. She was employed by Computer Sciences Corporation in Wethersfield for many years in their finance department, prior to CSC, Marianne worked for many years at Mass Mutual Insurance. Marianne will be remembered for her lively spirit and her welcoming hospitality. Never one to complain and always the optimist, she loved life, her family, and her friends. She had great faith and was a devoted communicant of St. Christopher Church, East Hartford. She loved vacationing at the Cape where she explored and watched the beautiful sunsets. She also enjoyed listening to the birds on her patio and sitting by peaceful outside campfires. Marianne would enjoy also listening to music, cooking traditional Italian dishes, knitting and crocheting for friends and family, and watching UCONN Women's basketball games. Marianne was an avid reader and shared her love of the arts with family and friends each season at the Bushnell in Hartford. Marianne always welcomed the opportunity to meet with friends, who enjoyed her love and humor. However, the greatest joy in Marianne's life was taking special pride in being the best 'Auntie' for her nieces and nephews. Listening, encouraging, and supporting them with love, she spent countless hours enjoying their dance recitals, soccer games, baseball and hockey games. She was so looking forward to being a 'great auntie' again this year. Marianne leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and compassion to her entire family, especially her special nieces and nephews. Along with her mother, Mary, of East Hartford with whom she made her home, Marianne is survived by a sister, Maureen H. Desrosiers of Vernon; two brothers, Mark P. Harden and his wife, Rachel, of Newington, Michael L. Harden of Vernon; four special and adored nieces and nephews, Kim Spatz and her husband, Scott, and Kristen E. Desrosiers and her daughter, Jordan, all of Vernon, Justin Harden and Gregory Harden both of Newington; an uncle, Anthony Bosco of West Hartford; and many dear friends. Funeral services will be Monday, February 23, at 9 a.m. from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, East Hartford. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Sunday, February 22, from 4-7 p.m. Marianne's family has asked that memorial contributions in Marianne's name be made to the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102 or to St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. Marianne's family would like to extend a special thank you to friends, Claudette and Dee, for their love and support throughout the years, along with the entire staff of the 5th Floor Oncology Bliss Building, Dr. Mark Dailey and staff and the 9th and 10th Floors ICU at Hartford Hospital for their professionalism, compassion, love, and care given to Marianne and her family. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.