Mary Catalina

Mary Anna (Jurczak) Catalina passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband Nicholas Catalina to whom she had been married for 64 years, and predeceased as well by her dear son Mark Catalina. Mary was born in New Britain on March 17, 1932 to Antionette (Arciszewski) and Stanley Jurczak. Mary attended school in New Britain, graduating from New Britain High School and going on to graduate as an RN from the Hospital of Saint Raphael School of Nursing in New Haven in 1953. She and Nick met at a dance in New Britain, and a few years later they married in 1954. Mary, who began her nursing career at Grove Hill Clinic on Grove Hill Street; and Nicholas, who was a teacher in Burlington, purchased a home on McClintock Street and together raised their family there. When her children were young Mary worked weekends at NB General Hospital (now the Hospital of Central Ct), and when her children were older she returned to full-time nursing at Grove Hill on Kensington Avenue (now Starling Physicians). She worked in the OBGYN Department for nearly 20 years and made many good friends with the staff. Mary loved assisting and supporting the many women patients who came through the office - always with a smile and a hand to hold when needed.

Mary was passionate about cooking and baking, and her family enjoyed many wonderful meals and memorable holiday spreads. She also loved flowers and arranging them, and has graced many a table or door with a special creation. Caregiving was in Mary's nature and it showed in so many ways throughout her life. She was a dedicated and loving mother to her two children, and a devoted wife to her husband.She will be remembered by her family for her smile, her loving ways, and for her courage in life.

Mary leaves behind a daughter Lynne Prairie, two grandchildren, Michael Prairie II and his wife Cynthia, and Nicole Peterson and her husband Brett; and two great-grandchildren, Avery and Calum Peterson. She also leaves several wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary's family would like to thank the many exceptional staff members at the Jerome Home who provided excellent care during the time Mary lived there. There were so many loving hearts and hands involved in her care, but special thanks go to Ella, Emma, Eric, Krystyna, Antonieta, Lyudmila, Avery, Anastasia, Asia, Maura, Claudia, Carmel, and Christine. A special thanks for the end-of-life care that was additionally afforded Mary through Hartford HealthCare Hospice. The support our family received from Iris and Karen was invaluable. We were blessed to have a "village of support" to help with her care.

Calling hours will be held Friday November 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:30AM. A mass will be held Friday November 3, 2023 at 11AM at Holy Cross Church 31 Biruta St. New Britain, CT. Interment will be held immediately following at Sacred Heart Cemetery 662 Burritt St New Britain, CT

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Jerome Home, 975 Corbin Avenue, New Britain CT 06052

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewBritainSagarino.com for the Catalina family.