Mary Frances Polino (nee Morley) of Southbury, CT passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 72, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on January 2, 1952, Mary Fran, as she was affectionately known, dedicated her life to nurturing and supporting her family, friends, and community.

Mary Fran grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey with her parents, six sisters, and one brother. In 1970, a seventh sister joined the family as an exchange student from Germany and has been part of the family ever since. Those formative years were filled with good times and adventures, which she loved to reminisce about on a regular basis. Whether it was tales about summers spent working as a camp counselor and lifeguard at the Skyline Cabana Club, stories of her friends and neighbors on Jewett Ave, or accounts of the goings-on at one of her first jobs at the local ShopRite, her years in Jersey City were the basis of a lifetime of memories.

Mary Fran's educational journey began at Saint Aedan's Elementary School, continued through Saint Dominic Academy, and culminated at Saint Peter's University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and education. Early in her professional life, her passion led her to pursue a career in teaching, where she was much loved and respected. Her love for sharing knowledge continued well into retirement as you could always find her quizzing her grandchildren on math facts.

In 1986, Mary Fran and her husband, Sam, moved from West Milford, NJ to Woodbury, CT to raise their family. As a young, single parent due to Sam's untimely death, Mary Fran served as a pillar of strength for her daughters. She was a wonderful mother, always ensuring her children's education was a priority. Mary Fran also instilled in her daughters a sense of adventure with spontaneous travel and month-long camping trips across the United States. Her kindness, caring nature, and hardworking spirit touched everyone she met.

Mary Fran was very active in her community, serving as a proud member of the Woodbury Junior Woman's Club and engaging in political activities reinforcing the importance of voting and civic responsibility. Mary Fran also taught religious education at St. Teresa's Church in Woodbury. Her commitment to community and church service was strong.

Mary Fran is survived by her loving daughters, Mary Polino-Testone and Jennifer Polino-Simonovich; her devoted sons-in-law, Richard Testone and Joseph Simonovich. Her grandchildren, Ethan and Oliver Testone and Zoe Simonovich will always cherish the time they spent with her and the memories she left them. She is also survived by her siblings, Patty Morley (Hank Balzer), Ginny Caine (the late Martin), Kathleen Rybicki (John), Eileen Duke (Paul), Tracy Morley, Seton Harney, Francis Morley (Kathy) and Doro Klein ( Detlev). There are numerous nieces and nephews spanning two generations who will also miss Aunt Mary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia B. and Francis P. Morley, and her husband, Samuel Polino.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street, Woodbury, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following day, Friday, October 4, at 10:30 am at Saint Teresa of Avila Church in Woodbury.

Mary Fran loved life and all who were in her life. In celebration of that outlook, attendees are encouraged to wear red and bring Baileys, a nod to Mary Fran's final request, as she loved her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/