Mary Ellen (Petersen) Weiner, age 81, of Sandy Hook, passed away Thursday, November 13.

Born in 1944, Mary grew up in Bristol (Conn.). Mary was regional vice president for several building maintenance companies in Connecticut, California and Chicago. She was an avid gardener and was a long-term member of Town & Country Garden Club of Newtown. In the club she held board positions, was Island One captain, and organized many annual plant sales.

Mary also volunteered with Sticks and Stones in their organic community giving garden and with Tammy’s Garden. She was passionate about the environment and enjoyed several cross-country road trips, hiking through national forests and visiting family along the way.

Mary contributed her time over the years as a volunteer with Planned Parenthood and Literacy Volunteers of America.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Einar and Margaret Petersen, daughter Jennifer Weiner, and sister Catherine Petersen Kligerman.

She is survived by her children Elizabeth Weiner (Chris Czaja), Julie Gill (Jason) and Max Weiner; sister Grace Petersen; a cousin, Virginia Hayes; sister-in-law Selma Weiner; and Rudy and Pretty.

Visitation will be at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, on Wednesday, November 19, from 4-6 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 Quaker Lane South, West Hartford, on Thursday, November 20, at noon. Online condolences may be made at honanfh.com.