Marguerite Montinieri

Marguerite Montinieri, 82, of Wethersfield, beloved wife of Paul A. Montinieri, passed away peacefully Wednesday (January 2, 2013) at Masonic Healthcare Center. Born on October 11, 1930, Marguerite often said her life began when she met Paul. A 1948 graduate of Mount Saint Joseph Academy, she received a scholarship to the Pratt Institute, but remained at home and pursued her career at G Fox in its heyday. She retired from her position as an administrative professional at “ 250 Main” Apartments, where she enjoyed many years of working for her special friend, Sonja LaChapelle. Marguerite’s marriage of 58 years was the focus of her life. She relished sharing stories of her courtship with Paul and the life-long love story they lived each day. Their exceptional devotion to each other was noted by all who knew them. Marguerite’s talents included decorating her cherished home, especially at Christmas, her favorite time of year. For many years she enjoyed creating a special themed tree for the Wadsworth Atheneum Celebration of Trees. Her vivacious personality made her a finalist in the Miss Senior Connecticut beauty and talent completion. Her entire family treasures memories of Marguerite’s flair for fashion, big jewelry and pizazz, her willingness to embellish a story to make everyone laugh, and her “homemade” contribution to every family gathering. Her banter with her husband, children and grandchildren was always a source of fun and laughter. She was ever-ready with her camera, always compiling memories to cherish. “Paul, get your finger off the lens” is a phrase we will all remember with a smile. She is survived by her husband Paul, her two children and their families: daughter, Marisa Montinieri of Wethersfield and her children Bailey Julian of Wethersfield, Raymond Esposito and wife Samantha Esposito of Wethersfield and Marisa Sullivan and her husband Brian of Simsbury; son Paul and his wife Julie Montinieri of Wethersfield and their two daughters, Meredith and Michelle Montinieri of Wethersfield. Marguerite also welcomed two great grandsons this year: Oliver Esposito and Neil Sullivan. Of special importance to her were her cousins, Patty Fravel and her husband David, Trudy Mitchell, and Jack Martin and his wife Mary; her brother-in-law, Joseph Montinieri and her niece, Paula and her husband Art Massa of Wethersfield. Her dear friends Vinny Salemi and Bill DePreauz were always there to support her home projects and her dream of winning the lottery. Her special lottery partner, Robert Rymarzick, will play her numbers in her honor. Born in Hartford, Marguerite lived for the majority of her life on Quail Hill in Wethersfield, her beloved home that was custom built in 1969. She shared joy, pictures, fashion trends and news with all who visited. Her family wishes to extend their most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Masonic Healthcare who provided loving, patient and angelic service to her throughout her illness. Special thanks to Lisa King who contributed enormously to her comfort. Marguerite convinced her nurses that she had been a Las Vegas showgirl, and negotiated chocolate smuggling throughout her stay.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Marguerite’s life will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours and burial will be private. Donations in her name can be made to the JDRF, 20 Batterson Park Rd., 3rd Floor, Farmington, CT 06032. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield is in charge of arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.