Marie I. Wilkinson

Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Marie was the daughter of Ralph and Eleanor Ippolito. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carl G. Wilkinson, and her parents. She leaves behind her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Sherry Wilkinson of Stamford, CT. She was a cherished grandmother to Tami Wilkinson and her wife, Nancy Souza, of Stamford, CT; Christopher Wilkinson and his wife, Camille Purdy, of Haverford, PA; and Kimberly Wilkinson and her fiancé, Winston Fisher, of New York, NY. Marie was also a proud great-grandmother to Cameron and Alex Besaw, and Camissie, Paisey, and Telsey Wilkinson.

After attending Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Marie studied beauty culture and opened her own hair salon in 1944. She later discovered her passion for teaching and went on to share her expertise for many years at A.I. Prince Regional Technical School in Hartford, CT, until her retirement in 1976. As a testament to her skill as an educator, her students regularly placed first on the state board certification exam. Many of those same students stayed in touch with Marie throughout their lives, grateful not only for her teaching but for her mentorship and friendship.

Marie met the love of her life, Carl, just before World War II. They quickly discovered shared passions for dancing, music, and going to the movies. Though separated by distance during the war, their bond endured, and they were married shortly after Carl’s return in 1946. The following year, they welcomed their son, Dennis.

One of the highlights of Marie’s life was the year she spent in Europe with Carl and Dennis in 1958, when Carl was teaching for the U.S. Defense Department. After retirement, Marie and Carl continued to nurture their love of adventure by traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Some of their favorite destinations included Rome, Paris, Miami Beach, Las Vegas, California, and Hawaii.

Marie reveled in family gatherings, always keeping loved ones at the center of her life. She found great joy in attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s athletic events, performances, and dance recitals. Marie was truly a bundle of fun—she taught her grandchildren and their friends how to roller skate, and even into her 90s could be found playing kickball and wiffle ball with her great-grandchildren.

Proud of her Italian roots on the famous Wooster Street in New Haven, Marie was also known for her delicious cooking, especially her beloved meat sauce. In her later years, she enjoyed knitting, cheering for the Red Sox, and watching Penn State football.

Marie’s fun-loving personality, kindness, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts and memories of all who loved her.

The Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements. A private family service will be held in her honor.