Mary Kowaleski, 85, of Middletown, beloved wife of the late Bernard F. Kowaleski, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Waters Edge Health Care after a long, brave battle with dementia. She was born in Middletown, daughter of the late Walter and Alice (Dzierzynski) Maseyada. Mary was employed at Middlesex Hospital as the Assistant Director of Central Sterile Services, and later worked for Lyman Orchards. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church where she was part of the Rosary Society, Liturgy Committee, and a member/officer of the Parish Council. She also volunteered in the church office and was a Eucharistic Minister.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Mary Masse and her partner Robert LaFleur of Middletown, Linda Candels and her husband Marc of Babcock Ranch, FL; son, James Kowaleski and his wife Karen of Leland, NC; sister, Irene Corona and her husband Marshall of Middlefield; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mary was an avid gardener and made her yard beautiful. She won many ribbons at the Durham Fair over the years for her flowers and canned goods. She was also known to make many varieties of Christmas cookies to share with family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 22 at 10:15 a.m. from the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Liturgy in St. Mary of Czestochowa Church. Burial will be in the State Veterans' Cemetery. Friends may call at the Biega Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Mary's Church or the Dementia Society of America.

To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.