Mary Stanford

East Lyme — Mary Ann Stanford, 77, of East Lyme passed away March 19, with her husband and children by her side. Born May 11, 1943, to the late Sophie and John Castagna Sr. of Groton, she married her high school sweetheart, Frank Stanford, in 1961 and moved to East Lyme, where they built their home.

Mary worked in retail while raising her children, eventually becoming owner and manager of Brouwer’s Flower Shop in East Lyme from 1985 to 2001. She was a wicked tennis player in her 30s, a skilled seamstress and craftswoman, with a sharp sense of humor. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, visiting casinos, attending Connecticut Sun basketball games and watching nature in her backyard with her husband and family.

She is survived by her husband, Frank; daughter Christine Greeley and husband Shawn; son David Stanford and wife Marybeth; grandchildren, Cassandra Greeley, Brandon Stanford and Jacob Stanford; and brother John Castagna. She was predeceased by sisters, Nancy Pray and Carol Worrall; and brother Joseph Castagna.

Heartfelt thanks to the nurses at L+M Hospital for their caring and positivity during her extended stay there while her family could not visit.

Gatherings with family and friends were most important in Mary’s life, but due to COVID-19, there will be no funeral service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the coming months. Donations may be made in her name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at https://www. michaeljfox.org/donate.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the Stanford family at www.neilanfuneralhome. com.