She was pre-deceased by her husband of 73 years, Emanuel (Manny) Monopoli who recently died in February.
Before her death, she was the last surviving sibling of three brothers; Jack, Philip (Booper), Michael (Sando) and a younger sister Ann. Soon after her birth, Mary and her family moved to Dunmore Pennsylvania where Mary spent her childhood on Elm Street. Throughout her life, she was fondly nicknamed “Sister” by her family and friends, and “Aunt Sissy” by her nieces and nephews. As a young adult, Mary worked at various jobs prior to marrying Manny in 1948 and starting her family. She moved to Milford Connecticut in the mid 1950’s. She later lived with her family in Shelton CT, and Meriden CT, before residing in Melbourne FL.
Mary worked in Connecticut as a waitress, a longtime toy department store clerk at Bradlee’s department store in Derby CT, and school cafeteria worker while also raising her 3 sons.
Mary had a love of cooking food. She spoiled her family by always having fully cooked meals at her dinner table on a daily basis, even up to her last year of life. Some of her best dishes included: Spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and German potato balls with roasted pork. She also excelled at preparing and eating desserts, and she was known for her depression style boiled cake. However, more important than the great meals, was the gathering of family and friends at her dinner table for conversation and camaraderie.
Mary is one of the last surviving DeSando’s of her generation. She is survived by three sons and their spouses, Anthony Monopoli and Cheryl Tobey of Rincon Ga, Michael Monopoli and Judy Grabowski of Melbourne FL, and James and Tracy Monopoli of Dunedin FL. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Cory, Emma, Kate, Josh, Meredith, Michael and Chelsea, 9 great grandsons and 1 great granddaughter, as well as several nieces, nephews and 2 sister-in-laws.
In retirement, Mary and her husband Manny were volunteers of cooperative care at the Franciscan Center in Meriden CT.
Mary’s remains will be cremated and a memorial service will be planned later in 2021. Donations in lieu of flowers or gifts can be made to: Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 Allen Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451.
