Mary Mangini Saunders

Mary Mangini Saunders, 70, of Delray Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on Thursday August 21, 2025 after a brave four-year battle with cancer. She was born on April 13, 1955 in Manhattan to the late Suzanne Scheffer Mangini and Jerome J. Mangini. A granddaughter of the renowned East End architect Alfred A. Scheffer, Mary spent her childhood summers in Amagansett with her family. She was raised in Darien, CT, and was the middle child of five children in a fun-loving, close-knit family. She often talked about how lucky she was to have “one of each”—an older and younger brother, and an older and younger sister.

Mary attended Boston University. After college, on July 6, 1976, the Mangini sisters hosted a backyard party in Darien, where a fellow Darienite named Bill Saunders happened to crash the shindig. Later that evening, two soulmates had found each other and began a lifelong journey of love, laughter, and commitment.

Mary and Bill were married in 1981 and moved into their first apartment in Darien, famously located right above Baskin-Robbins. They later moved to Stamford, CT, where their first daughter, Suki, was born in 1989. In 1990, they settled in their beloved Fairfield, CT, and welcomed their second daughter, Maggie, in 1994.

Mary worked at Greenwich Hospital for 17 years in the quality assurance department before a career hiatus to focus on the role she cherished most—being a mom. She devoted herself to raising her daughters with love, support, and fun. She was actively involved in their schools, volunteering with the PTA, helping at book fairs and with the annual school calendar, and showing up any time an extra set of hands was needed.

Mary was dedicated to making the world a better place during her time on Earth. She chaired the Fresh Air Fund for Fairfield and neighboring towns, welcoming inner-city children into local homes to create lasting summer memories. Her passion for service touched every part of her life—she was actively involved with the Democratic Town Committee and was the most fun religious education teacher at her church.

When her daughters were older, Mary returned to work as an executive recruiter and eventually went back into healthcare, working in the front office of several medical practices. After Bill’s passing, Mary left CT for a fresh start in Delray Beach, FL, where she built a cozy home and a vibrant life surrounded by friends she treasured deeply.

Mary had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Whether she was chatting with neighbors, patients at work, or a cashier for the first time, she made everyone feel seen and special. She had the best laugh ever, and her warmth, kindness, and open heart fostered countless lifelong friendships. If you were lucky enough to have Mary in your corner, you experienced her unwavering support—she was the ultimate hypewoman, always ready to lift others with compassion, encouragement, and silly social media posts.

Mary later spent summers with her family on the North Fork of Long Island. She had a love for tennis, music, dancing, animals, birds, and flowers. A gifted writer, she dreamed of one day publishing a children’s book, and she loved collecting small treasures—from silver bangles to Buddhas discovered during her travels.

Mary is survived by her two daughters, Suzanne (Suki) and Margaret (Maggie) (engaged to Squiddius Daniel J. Madden); her siblings, Carla Innis (Will), Barbara Mangini (Eric K. Andersen), and David Mangini; her two precious kitties, Dylan and Alfie; and many beloved extended family members and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband Bill, her parents, and her cherished brother Mark.

Mary found joy in the little things. She greeted each day with optimism and gratitude, and she believed laughter and dancing were always the best medicine. Her radiant positivity and kindness touched everyone who was lucky to know her, and her beautiful spirit truly made the world a brighter place. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in May in Fairfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope, Inc or contributing to Mary’s end-of-life expenses.