Marjorie Ciminera

Mystic — Marjorie (Doolittle) Ciminera, 93, of Mystic, wife of the late Andrew J. Ciminera Sr., died Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at Academy Point surrounded by her family. She had been a resident there for almost three years and was lovingly known to all as “Marge in Charge!”

Born in Waterbury, she was the daughter of the late Fitch and Lily (Bryson) Doolittle. She married Andy on April 7, 1945 and they shared over 70 years together until he passed away in 2015. They resided in Mystic for over 58 years.

Marjorie developed an interest in art and began painting in her 40s. She then served on The Groton Arts Committee in 1979, becoming chairman in 1981. From there, she began her professional career with the Mystic Art Association, now known as The Mystic Museum of Art. Beginning as a docent, she eventually became the first executive director of the art gallery and remained there until her retirement in 1995.

Her accomplished art skills afforded her the opportunity to serve as a judge for many years at the Mystic Arts Festival as well as for juried shows at the Mystic Art Association. Marjorie’s children will cherish the numerous paintings she passed down to them, proudly displayed in each of their homes.

She is survived by her three beloved children, Ronna M. Pollard (Edward) of Stonington, Susan A. McVeigh (James) of Pawcatuck and Andrew J. Ciminera Jr., of Stratham, N.H.; five grandchildren, Jason (Sarah) and Joshua (Latisha) Pollard, Kelly McVeigh (Bronson Conlin), James McVeigh and Nickolas Ciminera; and four great-grandchildren, Paige, Griffin, Joshua and Matthew Pollard.

She was predeceased by her eight siblings.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton where she was a longtime communicant. Her burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic. There are no calling hours.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Academy Point Mystic for their loving care of our dear mother for the last two and a half years and to the VITAS health professionals for comforting her in her final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to VITAS Healthcare, vitascommunityconnection.org.