Adriena Maynard
— Adriena Rose Maynard of Niantic and Port Orange, Fla., entered eternal life at the age of 92 on May 22, 2022, in Niantic at Bride Brook. Adriena was born Oct. 19, 1929, to Vincenzo and Rita Faluotico.
Her growing up years took place in a wonderful Italian neighborhood in Groton. She spoke often, right up to the end of her life, about her heritage, family, greenhouse and garden as well as their wonderful, supportive, friends and neighbors.
On Sept. 11, 1948, Adriena was united in marriage to Edwin R. Maynard Jr. at Sacred Heart Church in Groton. They promptly set up housekeeping in the home that Ed built at the age of 21, living there for the majority of their nearly 72 years of marriage. They were a devoted couple who enjoyed spending time with their friends and family. Ed and “Ade” enjoyed nothing more than hopping in the car in search of the next adventure. This continued right up until Ed’s passing in 2020.
One of Ade’s crowning achievements was purchasing their much-loved second home in Port Orange, Fla. Their home was known for an open door and a coffee pot that was always on, much to the delight of their many friends. It was not unusual for someone to stop for coffee in the morning, stay for lunch only to leave and then come back again for dinner! Ade loved the beach and could often be found with her special friend Shirley walking the sands of Ponce Inlet. She believed that pretty much anything could be cured by salt water!
In 1964, Ade found her true calling when she became a switchboard operator at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where she was employed for over 30 years. With a gift for gab, she not only excelled in her work, but in the ability to make her co-workers into lifelong friends.
Mourning her passing are her sister, Rose (Warren) Ott of Groton; her daughter Linna (Bill) Ellis of East Lyme; her much loved grandsons, Kevin (Janetta) Ellis of California, MD and Greg Ellis of Niantic; as well as her great-grandchildren: Aidan, Wyatt, Ainsley and Zain Ellis. Adriena had many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Adriena was predeceased by her sisters, Folly Wolter, Eleanor Paradis and Nettie Sarsfield; as well as her brother, Edward Faluotico.
Her family would like to extend special thanks to Verna Swann and Mary Scarpa, who as friends also became part of the family and were so faithful in their caring for Adriena and Ed. Much appreciation also is extended to the staff at Bride Brook whose kindness made Adriena’s last 21 months more bearable.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, at East Lyme Cemetery. Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.