Mary C. Grimardi, a longtime resident of Riverview, Florida, and formerly of Newtown, passed away on September 17, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, to the late Patrick and Mary Ellen Cannon, Mary grew up during the Great Depression and World War II — years that shaped her remarkable strength, ingenuity, and appreciation for life’s simple joys. As a young girl, she earned awards for penmanship, singing, dancing, and beauty, hinting early on at the grace and poise that would define her.

In 1954, at age 19, Mary boarded the Queen Mary bound for New York — a life-changing voyage that spoke to her adventurous heart and her determination to explore the world beyond her homeland. In New York, she became a sought-after hat model and even caught the attention of a renowned band in Miami, who invited her to sing professionally. Though she didn’t take to the stage professionally, her love of music endured through her years singing in the St Rose of Lima Church choir in Newtown, where she also delighted in performing in community plays.

She was an avid animal lover, traveler, bowler, dancer, and reader — always in motion, curious, and engaged. Her love of driving led her to a role she cherished as a lead driver for Photronics, Inc in Brookfield.

After 37 years of marriage, Mary embraced a new chapter of independence with courage, grace, and optimism. She moved briefly to Branford, before settling in Riverview, Fla., where she purchased her own home and built a circle of friends who cherished her humor, warmth, and lively conversation.

Mary was, in every sense, a chameleon — able to adapt with elegance and empathy to whatever life brought her: new places, challenges, and the ever-changing rhythms of the world and people she loved. Through it all, she carried herself with quiet strength, compassion, and dignity.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Susan Patricia Lustig and husband Neal Lustig of Madison; her beloved granddaughters, Kimberly Lustig of Venice, Fla., and Katelyn Lustig of Boston, Mass.; and daughter Maria Ellen Grimardi and partner Charles Trotter of Los Angeles, California. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Frank O’Connor of Glasgow, Scotland, and nephews Paul O’Connor and wife Tracy of Glasgow, and Stephen O’Connor and wife Nicola and their children, David, Malcolm, and Ellis, also of Glasgow.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, John B. Grimardi.

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will take place at Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview, Fla., on Friday, December 5, at 10 am. Honoring her lifelong love of her homeland, Mary will be laid to rest in Scotland.