Marie Sturdevant, age 88, of Newtown, passed away on April 11, 2026.

Marie was born on July 15, 1937, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., and brought her effervescent spirit and boundless positivity with her everywhere life took her. The beloved wife of Richard (Dick) Sturdevant, they shared 59 years of marriage, from 1965 until his passing in 2024. Theirs was a partnership filled with travel, laughter, and a deep and abiding love.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Leslie Ackerman of Tewksbury, N.J., and her son, Michael Sturdevant (Amy) of New Fairfield. The true jewels of her life were her grandchildren Samantha, Ethan, Madelyn, and Holden Ackerman, and Cassandra, Canaan, and Cullan Sturdevant whom she cherished with her whole heart. She was endlessly proud of her family and treasured every moment spent together. She is also survived by her brother, William Stahley, and sister-in-law Gay Stahley (Martin), along with eight nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews who were all touched by her warmth.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Marie (Stahley) Schuler, her brother Martin Stahley, and her sister Elizabeth O'Konsky.

Those who knew Marie knew that walking into a room with her meant the energy shifted with her radiant smile, sparkling blue eyes, and genuine delight in the people around her that had a way of putting everyone instantly at ease. She was fascinated by the stories, backgrounds, and passions of others, and had a light-hearted wit and quick humor that could draw laughter out of any moment. Laughter, she believed, was one of life's greatest gifts and she gave it freely.

That same generous spirit drove a lifetime of extraordinary community service. Marie was a dedicated volunteer for Newtown Scholarship Association, Newtown Woman's Club, GFWC, the Newtown chapter of Regional Hospice, the Newtown Service Unit of the Salvation Army, and FISH in both Newtown and Brookfield. She served as a deacon at Newtown Congregational Church, was a member of Newtown United and PEO Chapter AA of Brookfield, and served on the Northwestern Regional Mental Health Board. She was a Paul Harris Fellow recipient of the Newtown Rotary Club and was named Woman of the Year by the Newtown Business & Professional Women's Club — an honor that surprised no one who had seen her in action.

Marie was equally passionate about civic life. She began her involvement in politics as President of the Young Republican Women's Club in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., and went on to serve as Chair of the Newtown Republican Town Committee, lead numerous political campaigns, and serve as Chair of GOP 5 for several years.

Professionally, Marie built a distinguished career in the legal field. She earned her court stenographer certification in Wilkes-Barre in 1957 and brought that expertise with her to Connecticut, where she worked as a stenographer for more than 35 years in Bedford Hills, Chappaqua, and Mount Kisco, N.Y.

During their 49 years of marriage, Marie and Dick shared a love of travel and reading, experiencing adventures both near and far that deepened a bond that was evident to all who knew them. She looked forward always to the next gathering, the next conversation, the next chance to be with the people she loved.

Marie will be remembered for her beautiful blue eyes, her million-dollar smile, and a spirit so full of light that it touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Arrangements are being made by Green Funeral Home in Danbury. There will be no calling hours.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 11 am, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice of Danbury (regionalhospicect.org), Newtown Congregational Church (14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470; newtownctchurch.org), or a cancer charity of your choice.