Mary Chinigo

Norwich-Mary T. Chinigo, age 58, of Norwich passed away at Backus Hospital on Saturday, June 16, 2012 after a 23 year battle with breast cancer surrounded by her family and best friend. She was born in Norwich on May 4, 1954 the daughter of Frank J. and Maryanne (Miclette) Chinigo.

In addition to her parents she is survived by one brother, Frank J. Chinigo Jr. and his wife, Kelley, of Enfield, two sisters Rosemarie Soper and her husband James of Plainfield and Patricia Chinigo of Norwich, two nephews: James Soper of West Roxbury, MA; Joseph Soper of Moosup and one niece Catherine Sheridan of Colchester, two great nephews Jack Soper and Logan Sheridan and many cousins. She is also survived by her best friend, Paula Axelrod of Utah whom she considered as another sister.

She graduated from NFA in 1972, received a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Connecticut State College in 1976, a master’s degree in special education from St. Joseph’s College in 1981 and a Sixth Year Certification in education administration from UCONN in 1994. She retired in February of 2012 for health reasons as principal of the Voluntown Elementary School, a position she held for 17 years. She previously was a classroom teacher from 1976-1989, Special Ed. Coordinator from 1992-1994, interim principal in 1994 and principal from 1995-2012, all at Voluntown Elementary School.

Family and friends may visit Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. We will then proceed for a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church in Norwichtown at 10:30 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mary’s name to the William W. Backus Hospital, Oncology Department, 326 Washington St., Norwich, CT 06360. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for the Chinigo family.