Mary Ann Atwood

Mary Ann (Chester) Atwood, affectionately known as Ma, of Deep River and, most recently, Old Saybrook, aged 77, died peacefully at home holding the hand of her daughter after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on December 31st, 2024. Born on July 28, 1947 and raised in New Britain, CT, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Andrew and Theresa (Marron) Chester. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenny Atwood. Mary Ann is survived by her loving daughter, Sarah Cirillo and son-in-law, Giuliano Cirillo, of Deep River, CT; her adored grandchildren Christopher Birdsey, Katherine Cirillo, and Nicholas Cirillo; her sister, Eileen Daverio of Old Saybrook, CT; her cousin, Michael Boyko and his wife, Lisa, of New Britain, CT; and dear friend, Michelle Fiala of Oakdale, CT. She also leaves behind wonderful extended family and friends.

Mary Ann attended and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She would go on to earn her Master’s Degree at CCSU. Mary Ann completed her student teaching at Deep River Elementary School, and she accepted a position there. While she taught several different grades, second grade was her absolute favorite. Mary Ann would go on to teach for almost 38 years at DRES. After retirement, she continued to work at DRES through the YMCA as the head of the After School program. Mary Ann loved her students and would frequently speak about them fondly. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing her former students as they grew.

Mary Ann loved the beach and frequently could be found sitting at West Beach in Westbrook, CT. She loved to watch the waves, the seagulls, and bask in the sun. During the summer, when not at the beach, she could be found floating around the family pool. One of her last wishes was to be able to swim, in the pool, with her grandchildren; a wish that was realized many times this past summer, much to the delight of her granddaughter, Katie, whom Mary Ann called “her best girl” and grandson, Nicholas, whom she called “Mr. Bluster”.

Mary Ann was known for her love of lobster and chocolate, although not together. A perfect meal for her would consist of a lobster roll and a hot fudge sundae (with EXTRA hot fudge). She spent the summer going to various lobster joints in Connecticut to try to determine who had the best, but she never said definitively which one was the best. She did, however, determine that the best hot fudge sundae was created especially for her at Deep River Ice, where Chelsea and Dave made sure to put on EXTRA, EXTRA hot fudge. Her last year was one of love, good food, adventures, trips, and time with family and friends. In fact, she was riding roller coasters and having a “Grand” time in Disney three weeks prior to her passing. Mary Ann said, “It was the trip of a lifetime and the best one yet”. Her family will always carry those memories with them. Throughout the treatment, she remained optimistic, hopeful, and positive.

Mary Ann’s family would like to extend a special thanks to so many people. Her oncology care team at Smilow Cancer Hospital: Lisa, Dr. Mendez, Michele, Lily, Colleen, Jess, Liz, Olga, Donna, Sam, Alexis, Osmary, Gigi, CeCe, Linda, Tereze, Tiffany, and so many others that may not be named but were still so wonderful. They not only took care of Mary Ann but also her daughter and grandchildren, as well. The Middlesex Home Care Palliative and Hospice Program took exceptional care of Mary Ann (and her family), especially in her last days. A special thanks to Ashley, Lara, Mari, Lynn, Susan, and Amy of the Hospice program. Words cannot describe the gratitude of Mary Ann’s family to all of the healthcare team and the unknown American Red Cross blood donors who kept her going “for as long as her feet would take her”.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent in Mary Ann’s name to Deep River Ambulance Association or the Connecticut Humane Society. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the Robinson, Wright, & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at 11 AM at St. John’s Church, 161 Main Street in Old Saybrook, CT. Burial will immediately follow in the Fountain Hill Cemetery, High Street in Deep River, CT.