Mary B. Geary

Mary B. Geary of Madison, Connecticut passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Connecticut Hospice. The youngest of four daughters, Mary was born in New Haven, CT on June 4, 1928 to Italian immigrants, Giacomo Branchini and Norina (Zandri) Branchini. In her youth and early adult hood she was surrounded by a loving, extended family who gathered daily to share food, stories and offer support. This influence carried throughout her life, every gathering at her home was special and all invited were welcomed warmly. She enjoyed planning and cooking for holidays, Friday night family dinners and beach picnics.

Mary was a graduate of Hillhouse High School and Grace New Haven School of Nursing. She was an Operating Room Nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital for many years, a career she was very proud of. In 1959, she married Russell Townsend Geary Sr. During their happy marriage they lived in Connecticut, New Jersey and Illinois, raising three children. Mary was creative and enjoyed painting, sewing and knitting, leaving beautiful items for her children to treasure. She also enjoyed golf, playing with both family and friends as a member of Madison Country Club for 30 years. You always felt better after being in Mary’s presence, she was a great listener, beloved Mother, Grandmother and friend who had a wonderful perspective on life. Her good nature was always present even through illness in her final years. Mary’s kindness, patience, sense of humor and grace were constant and unwavering.

Mary is predeceased by her husband of 32 years, Russell Townsend Geary Sr., her parents, sisters Iola Tartaglione, Alice Branchini, Lydia Antognette and dear niece Patricia Tartaglione Grande. She is survived by her loving children Diane Geary (David Reinhart) of Branford, Brian Geary of Madison, Russell Geary Jr. (Lisa) of Guilford; her much loved Grandchildren Russell (Rusty) Geary III (Alyssa) and Jae Geary. She also leaves behind an extended family Natasha Marks (Jeremy), Elsie Enos, Lindsey Reinhart (Victor Amkhamavong), Ralph Tartaglione, Alyssa Tartaglione and Grey Tartaglione.

A private ceremony and remembrance for family will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to The Connecticut Hospice. The family is grateful for the wonderful and tender care she received while there. For online condolences, please visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com