Mary Eleanor LaCroix

Mary Eleanor Conway La Croix, 88, of Hamden, Connecticut, formerly of Westville, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mary was the queen of giving nicknames, having a few of her own; Mew, Buffy, Ma, and Mimi. Each name carried a story behind it. Mary was a woman of deep and unwavering Catholic faith. Her devotion shaped every part of her life. She took great pride in being named after the Blessed Mother, and it felt fitting to those who loved her that she passed during the Holy Hour. Mary was an active and devoted member of Saint Paul VI Parish in Hamden. She was involved in her church community and prayer groups. Her faith was not only something she practiced, but something she lived by. She was a true example of what it meant to be one of God’s children; selfless, gentle, and full of light. In the week leading up to her passing, Mary was surrounded by a steady stream of visitors. Friends, family, and loved ones came to sit with her, pray with her, and thank her. She was able to see and feel the love of the beautiful legacy she created. She was deeply loved by all who knew her. Mary was born on June 5, 1937, in New Haven, Connecticut, to John Howard Conway and Mary Catherine Malloy. She grew up alongside her siblings John, David, and Edward. In 1960, she married her husband Walter P. La Croix. Together they built a loving home, raising their four children on Woodbridge Avenue, where so many cherished family memories were made. Mary treasured simple joys. She loved playing cards, traveling, and nurturing lifelong friendships. She was always present, especially for her ten grandchildren. Mew was known as a wonderful listener. You could talk to her about anything. Her calm presence, wisdom, and steady reassurance made her a safe place for many. She served as a second mother not only to her nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own, but to many others throughout her life. Professionally, Mary worked as a medical secretary for Dr. William Kaufman and later for Dr. Khu. She also worked for the State of Israel Bonds before retiring. When her husband became ill, she selflessly returned to work in the admitting office at Saint Raphael’s Hospital for ten years to secure benefits and care for him. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter P. La Croix, and her son, Paul C. La Croix (Lynn La Croix), of Branford. She is survived by her younger brother Edward Conway (Betty Conway), of Florida; her children Michele La Croix Early of Hamden, MaryBeth Smith (Daniel Smith), of West Haven, and Anne La Croix Cordero (Alfredo Cordero), of Branford. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren: Brendan Early, Christian La Croix, Julianna La Croix Anderson, Jacqueline Early, Elizabeth Early, Nicholas Cordero, Thomas Smith, Matthew Cordero, Meghan Smith, and Jeremy La Croix; and by her great-granddaughter, Lilliana. Mew also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. Mary will be dearly missed and we will forever be grateful for the gift of her life. Calling hours are Monday, March 2nd, from 3 - 7 p.m. at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Tuesday, March 3rd, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden, CT, followed by a burial in Saint Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Enfield, Connecticut

Mary Eleanor LaCroix

June 5, 1937 - February 26, 2026