Mary was born July 17, 1923 to polish immigrants Aniela (Rajchel) and Andrew Gazda, in Newmarket, NH. She was the fourth of 5 children, growing up on the family farm. She had fond memories of time spent with her family and neighbors. She attended local schools, and then she went to work at the local shoe factory in town. At the age 17, she left Newmarket and joined her soon-to-be sister-in-law Eleanor in Hartford to
work at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford.

Mary, Eleanor and friends enjoyed city life and went to many dances at the Polish Home in Hartford where she met her future husband, John. They were soon engaged; however, John was called to become an Airforce Cadet, training to be a pilot. Mary then returned to Newmarket to wait for John's return from duty. They were married at St. Mary's Church in Newmarket on May 11, 1946 and began their life in Middletown, CT (although Mary always considered herself a New Hampshire girl!). They had two children, Dottie and Pat, who were always their focus.

Mary was a lovely mother and an accomplished seamstress. She sewed for her family, but also worked at a local company making garments and even boat sails to fill orders. She was also talented in crafts and enjoyed making things such as cross-stitch pictures and quilts.

John and Mary built their forever home in Middletown where they lived for over 70 years. They loved their home and spent countless hours working on additions and improvements. They both retired at the age of 62 and traveled extensively on cruises, Hawaii and throughout Europe.

Their daughters married and grandchildren came, and then great grandchildren. Mary leaves behind daughters Dottie Smith and her husband Len of Portland, Pat Aivano and her husband Bill of Cromwell, 5 grandchildren, Kim and her husband Eddy of Australia, Kevin and his wife Jennyfer of Derry NH, Tom Aivano of Middletown, Holly Aivano of Cromwell and Chrisy Aivano of Middletown, and 5 great-grandchildren, Allison and Alex Boscariol, James and Kyle Smith, and Hailey Cooley. Mary was predeceased by her husband, John, her parents, Aniela and Andrew, sister Bertha Noiles of Portsmouth, NH, two brothers Stanley of Newburyport MA and Jack of Newmarket, NH. She is survived by brother Edward of Vero Beach, FL, and countless nieces and nephews.

Mom you have given us all so much of yourself and provided many happy times; you will be dearly missed and remembered by all of us.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 11 am at St. Mary of Czestochowa, Hubbard Street, Middletown. Burial will be in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to your favorite animal shelter organization or the Alzheimer's Association.