Mary Pursell

The world is a little sadder today as Mary Louise (Philbin) Pursell has left this life, surrounded by her family, to begin another with the Lord. Although we who knew her mourn for ourselves, we recognize that she left here a better place for all she touched. Mary Lou was a New Havel local. She was born in West Haven on October 11, 1928 to the late John Joseph and Catherine Agnes Philbin and moved to New Haven at an early age. She was married to her loving husband William L. for 55 years. She was active with Alumni activities at both her high school (Hillhouse class of '46-one of her favorite monikers "First in war-First in peace") as well as college (St Joseph's College, West Hartford BS Nursing class of '50) She also earned a Master's degree in Public Health from SCSU. She worked 5 years for the VNA of New Haven and 25 years as Supervisor of Nursing Services for the West Haven Board of Education, retiring in 1995. Her life was marked by service to others-family, church and community. She grew up and lived her whole life within a 10 mile radius, but inf1uenced many in that small area. Mary Lou was a member of the New Haven’s Women's Club, Notre Dame Mother's Club and St. Aedan's School Board for many years. She was ardent about her Irish heritage-enjoying St. Patty's day gatherings, step dancing, the Irish Rovers, and relished a trip to the ole sod years ago. She was an accomplished pianist. an avid crossword puzzler (actually finishing some), an inspiring knitter, and she counted yoga and swimming among her other interests. Another passion was scouring tag sales for that perfect item because she could always find a silver lining in another person's cloud. There are many future Tag Salers who did not know Mary Lou, but will surely be impacted by her passing. Although these endeavors and hobbies were significant, she was most proud of the family that she and her husband raised. She was a staunch believer that education could improve one's lot in life. She provided solace in times of sorrow and guidance with everyday issues. Every time one of the family picks up an instrument, knits a qui It. bakes Irish Soda bread or donates some time and effort for a cause, we can thank Mary Lou for providing the training and guidance. We are eternally grateful for the values she instilled in us and will attempt to be true to her legacy by the passing of those ideals to those around us. Until we meet again-God bless. Mary Lou's loving family includes husband, William and her children (William J and Patricia of Wallingford, Kenneth .I Pursell. MD and Jacqueline Pongracic, MD of Chicago, Mary Catherine and Guy Dupont of Wallingford, Thomas B, ESQ and Mary Brunell Pursell of New Haven, Susan E Pursell. MD and Michael Wack, MD of Newburyport. MA, Robert A and Denise Callahan Pursell of Wallingford, and Joan E and Christopher Fleming of Fairfield CT) and 17 grandchildren (Kelly, Meghann and Bill Pursell, Shannon Czaplicki, Charlie and Dan Dupont, Florette and Caitlin Pursell, Skyler,, Dylan and Demi Wack, Robert, Brendan, and Julia Pursell, Mikaela, Collin, and Keira Fleming). She was pre-deceased by brother John J. Philbin. Donations to Connecticut Hospice at 100 Double Beach Rd. Branford, CT 06405-4906 in Mary Lou’s name would preferred in lieu of flowers. Friends may call Monday September 7th from 4 to 8 pm.. at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave Hamden CT. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at l0:00 am Tuesday, September 8th, at St Aedan’s Church in New Haven CT. Internment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven CT.

Mary Pursell

October 11, 1928 - September 3, 2009