Mary Lu Maturo & Elizabeth Maturo O'Connor

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother, “MAMAR” Mary Lu Maturo, who left us peacefully at home on Friday, February 6th at the age of 85 with her family surrounding her with love. Mary Lu was born on November 17, 1940, in Hartford, CT, to Antonina (Cultrera) and Sebastian Ali. From an early age she was known for her sense of humor, empathy, and kindness — qualities that remained with her throughout her life and drew people to her like a warm light. She was, simply put, everyone's friend.

Her door was always open. Whether you needed a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board for life's hardest decisions, or simply someone who would truly listen without judgment, Mary Lu was there. You could tell her anything, and many did. She had a heart of gold and a rare, instinctive gift for making people feel seen, heard, and loved. In times of joy and in times of sorrow, she showed up — not because she had to, but because that is simply who she was. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and lifelong friend to many, always placing the needs of others before her own.

A graduate of the first LPN nursing class of St. Francis Hospital, Mary Lu was a dedicated nurse for 30 years at Maple View Manor where she not only cared for others but made deep-rooted friendships. In a beautiful full circle, she spent several of her final months as a resident there, where she was treated with extraordinary tenderness by the staff — many of whom were former colleagues who remembered her with gifts, stories, and the same devotion she had so generously modeled for them.

Mary Lu had a youthful heart and a vibrant spirit. A fan of Billy Joel, she was thrilled to attend his historic final show at Madison Square Garden last year. She shared a wonderful, final "Piano Man" moment with those she loved — dancing and radiating joy — a memory her family will forever cherish.

Mary Lu's greatest masterpiece was her friendships. Her lifelong friends were like family, and many she had held dear since childhood. To all of them, Mary Lu's loss is profound. The world is quieter without her laugh, her wisdom, and her endlessly open door.

She is survived by her four children: Carrie and her husband Bill, Susan and her husband Fred, Alison and her partner Jamie, and her favorite son Christopher; her loving grandchildren Taylor, Haley, Mei-Lin and her husband Aramayis and Mia; and her great-grandchildren Ari and Archie. She also leaves behind many dear cousins and great cousins whom she embraced as true members of her immediate family — loving them not by obligation, but by the boundless generosity of her heart. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Domenic; her cherished daughter Elizabeth; her sister Natalina and her parents Antonina and Sebastian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church of Christ the King Parish, 601 Silas Deane Highway Wethersfield, for Mary Lu and Elizabeth. Burial will follow in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. There will be no calling hours; everyone is asked to meet directly at the church.

Elizabeth "Bebe" Maturo O'Connor

Elizabeth "Bebe" Maturo O'Connor, 59, of West Hartford, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, April 14, 2025.

A beautiful daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend, Liz brought warmth and joy to everyone she encountered. She was raised in Wethersfield, where she attended Charles Wright Elementary School and Silas Deane Middle School before graduating from Wethersfield High School with the Class of 1983.

Liz began her career in the travel industry with American Airlines, where she worked for many years before transitioning to Cigna Corporate Travel following the airline's departure from Connecticut. She also worked at numerous restaurants throughout her career, where her genuine warmth transformed patrons into close friends. Her love for both her work and the people she served was evident to all who knew her.

When not working, Liz treasured time spent with family—whether at picnics, holiday gatherings, or simply relaxing with her cherished nieces. She delighted in floating in the pool with friends and playing with her beloved dogs Blackie, Ripple, and Rocco. Those who knew Liz will remember her heart of gold and the infectious smile and laugh that could light up any room.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church of Christ the King Parish, 601 Silas Deane Highway Wethersfield, for Mary Lu and Elizabeth. Burial will follow in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. There will be no calling hours; everyone is asked to meet directly at the church.