Mary Joslin, 96, of Southbury, died peacefully Friday, November 18 at River Glen Health Center.
The youngest child of John and Agnes Hendren, Mary was born September 25, 1915 and grew up in the rolling farm country of Polo, Mo. She treasured her Missouri roots and close relationships with brother Glenn, a Kansas City, Mo. Doctor, brother John, a Jefferson City, Mo. Lawyer, and sister Helen Mackey, a Hamilton, Mo. farmer.
After attending secretarial school, Mary was employed at a Jefferson City, Mo. firm when she met Arthur Joslin, an Ohio State engineering graduate visiting on a business assignment. The couple wed in 1940.
Mary raised her family in Fair Lawn, N.J. where she enjoyed bridge, tennis, and playing classical music on her baby-grand piano. She imparted her love of music to each of her children, and was a leading member of the Church in Radburn choir. When Arthur joined the United Nations as an industrial consultant in 1966, Mary embarked on a life abroad, traveling throughout Asia and the Pacific while living first in Taiwan, where she tutored students in English, and then in India.
Following their retirement, Mary spent three decades in Heritage Village, remaining independent and actively pursuing the things she loved best. Exceptionally well read in history, biography and fiction, she was also a prized partner in local bridge competition, performed with a recorder ensemble, and was an avid fan of professional tennis and golf.
She volunteered with the Heritage Village Women's Exchange, and took pleasure in the company of many neighbors who will remember her warm friendship and lively mind.
Mary was pre-deceased by her husband, Arthur, in 2002. She leaves her children, Kathryn Horstmann and husband Klaus of Wolfsburg, Germany, David Joslin of Southbury, and Richard Joslin and wife Jean of Lawrenceville, N.J.; grandchildren Christopher Horstmann and wife, Katrin, Jennifer Horstmann, James Joslin, Carol Joslin, and Tom (Joslin) Nelson; great-grandchildren Jonah and Marie Horstmann; nephews Bob Mackey and Neil Joslin; and niece Shari Santapau.
Mary is also fondly remembered by her 'adopted' son, Paul Ringewald, and by numerous now-grown Radburn kids who still speak of her as their other mother, recalling her ever-present smile, her generosity, tolerance, wisdom and counsel, and her unique ability, in a quiet and elegant way, to make me want to be a better person."
Burial was private at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, N.J.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made to the Heritage Village Ambulance Association, 719 Heritage Village, Southbury CT 06488.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: Mary's family looks forward to welcoming all friends and neighbors at a memorial celebration of her life on Sunday afternoon, January 8th from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Terrace Room at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury. Please call 203-264-4481 or 609-912-9367 for further details.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.