Mary E. Voket

Loved Animals, Politics

Mary E. Voket of Newtown died November 5 after a 33-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Mrs Voket is survived by her son, John J. Voket, associate editor of The Newtown Bee, her cherished grandson Hunter J. Voket, and several cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, John F. Voket, Sr.

Mrs Voket was a graduate of St Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Waterbury and went on to work in the hospital’s emergency department for several years. She went on to work in the Waterbury area with several physicians in private practice.

She was active with St Joseph Parish in Waterbury, served on the parish council and the St Joseph School PTO. She participated in regional theater and chorus productions, including performing several roles with the Waterbury Civic Theater.

Mrs Voket was an avid reader and a founding member of the Friends of the Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury. A passionate advocate for voters’ rights, she was elected to the city’s Board of Voter Admissions, as well as the Waterbury Board of Alderman under Mayor Victor Mambruno.

Following her diagnosis with MS, she remained engaged supporting and advising friends and political associates. Mrs Voket was also an animal lover, and an avid collector of American antiquities.

She will be interred alongside her husband following services at Arlington National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in her memory can be made to the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 344, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee      November 14, 2008