3
trees
planted in memory of Mary A. Velidow
Obituary for Mary A. Velidow
Our beloved Mary Alice (McIntyre) Velidow passed away after a short illness on June 21, 2022. She was born May 6, 1930, in Bridgeport, CT, to Eva (Schofield) McIntyre (of Ashton-under-Lyne, England) and Harold McIntyre (of Dover, NH). She was the third child in a family of seven children. As a young child she often helped her mother care for her younger siblings and their family home.
Mary graduated from Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT. She worked at the local creamery, Cutrufello’s, in Stratford, CT, while in high school before going on to receive her Bachelors degree in education from Teachers College of Connecticut (now known as Central Connecticut State University) in New Britain, CT. While in college, she met the love of her life, Peter Anthony Velidow (of Manhattan, NY). The two took jobs as educators in Glastonbury, CT. Later, Mary and Peter purchased land in Salem, CT, where together—with the help of family and friends—they built their first home. Mary then went to work as a second-grade teacher at the Salem Elementary school where she continued her happy teaching career. In November of 1962, they adopted their first child, Paula Ann. Mary took some time away from teaching at this point to raise their family. They later gave birth to a son, Peter Alan in 1965 (d. 1965), and welcomed their third child through adoption, Kenneth Atticus, in 1967. She spent many happy years raising her babies with Peter. After the kids were in school, Mary resumed her teaching career at Salem Elementary School, this time as a special education teacher in reading. She continued this until her retirement from teaching in her 50s.
Once Peter retired from teaching in the 1970s, he and Mary would frequently travel to the southeastern part of the country to enjoy warmer weather in the winter. They often wintered in Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Florida, spending the warmer months in Connecticut and Massachusetts with family. Later in retirement they made Florida their primary residence but continued to spend time in the northeast with family.
After her husband Peter passed away in 2010, Mary moved back north to live with her daughter, Paula (and family), in Westminster, MA. There she lived out the rest of her life enjoying her grandchildren and visiting family and friends.
Mary enjoyed, most of all, time with her family and the special friendships she kept throughout her life. She loved to travel with her family both domestically and internationally. She had a passion for reading, sewing, needlework, being outdoors, and the ocean.
Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband Peter Anthony, her son Peter Alan, her parents, Harold and Eva Schofield, her brother John McIntyre, and her nephews Mark Boehm, Kevin Powell, and Christopher Powell. She is survived by her daughter, Paula (Velidow) Fontaine and fiancé Paul Klauer, son Kenneth Velidow his wife Laurie (Godere) Velidow and grandchildren Emily Velidow of Salem, CT, Ari and Jonathan Lerew of Westminster, MA. Also, sisters Eva Hornak, Betty Schroll (Ronald), Laura Boehm, Shirley Powell (Bruce), brother James McIntyre (Chrissie), and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Godere Funeral Home 21 N. Second Ave, Taftville on Saturday July 9 from 1-2:30 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 2:30 at the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Hemophilia Foundation.
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Mary graduated from Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT. She worked at the local creamery, Cutrufello’s, in Stratford, CT, while in high school before going on to receive her Bachelors degree in education from Teachers College of Connecticut (now known as Central Connecticut State University) in New Britain, CT. While in college, she met the love of her life, Peter Anthony Velidow (of Manhattan, NY). The two took jobs as educators in Glastonbury, CT. Later, Mary and Peter purchased land in Salem, CT, where together—with the help of family and friends—they built their first home. Mary then went to work as a second-grade teacher at the Salem Elementary school where she continued her happy teaching career. In November of 1962, they adopted their first child, Paula Ann. Mary took some time away from teaching at this point to raise their family. They later gave birth to a son, Peter Alan in 1965 (d. 1965), and welcomed their third child through adoption, Kenneth Atticus, in 1967. She spent many happy years raising her babies with Peter. After the kids were in school, Mary resumed her teaching career at Salem Elementary School, this time as a special education teacher in reading. She continued this until her retirement from teaching in her 50s.
Once Peter retired from teaching in the 1970s, he and Mary would frequently travel to the southeastern part of the country to enjoy warmer weather in the winter. They often wintered in Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Florida, spending the warmer months in Connecticut and Massachusetts with family. Later in retirement they made Florida their primary residence but continued to spend time in the northeast with family.
After her husband Peter passed away in 2010, Mary moved back north to live with her daughter, Paula (and family), in Westminster, MA. There she lived out the rest of her life enjoying her grandchildren and visiting family and friends.
Mary enjoyed, most of all, time with her family and the special friendships she kept throughout her life. She loved to travel with her family both domestically and internationally. She had a passion for reading, sewing, needlework, being outdoors, and the ocean.
Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband Peter Anthony, her son Peter Alan, her parents, Harold and Eva Schofield, her brother John McIntyre, and her nephews Mark Boehm, Kevin Powell, and Christopher Powell. She is survived by her daughter, Paula (Velidow) Fontaine and fiancé Paul Klauer, son Kenneth Velidow his wife Laurie (Godere) Velidow and grandchildren Emily Velidow of Salem, CT, Ari and Jonathan Lerew of Westminster, MA. Also, sisters Eva Hornak, Betty Schroll (Ronald), Laura Boehm, Shirley Powell (Bruce), brother James McIntyre (Chrissie), and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Godere Funeral Home 21 N. Second Ave, Taftville on Saturday July 9 from 1-2:30 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 2:30 at the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Hemophilia Foundation.
To plant a tree in memory of Mary A. Velidow, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
9
Jul
1:00 PM
- 2:30 PM
Godere Funeral Home
21 N 2nd Ave
Taftville, CT 06380
Service
Saturday
9
Jul
2:30 PM
Godere Funeral Home
21 N 2nd Ave
Taftville, CT 06380
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