Anne Mahalawich
Norwich — Anne M. Mahalawich fell asleep in the Lord May 26, 2022 at her home. She was born March 10, 1922, in Norwich, to Dimitry and Emilia (Sczyk) Pisarko.
In her youth, Anne worked on the family’s dairy farm in Taftville. She graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1940, and Willimantic Teacher’s College in December 1944, where she also earned her master’s degree in 1967. A strong woman of character; Anne was a lifelong supporter of education and women’s rights. Anne began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Packerville; then taught in the Montville school system; and lastly as a mathematics teacher at Kelly Junior High in Norwich. Her career spanned 35 years; and she was proud to be known by her students as being “strict but fair.”
Anne married Dr. Nicholas Mahalawich Nov. 24, 1945, at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Norwich. Anne and Nick were world travelers, visiting 29 countries on six continents and all 50 states. They enjoyed their winters in Florida, on the golf courses. Anne was a champion golfer and founding member of Pautipaug Country Club in Sprague. Anne’s Orthodox faith was very important to her, being a faithful parishioner, benefactor and fundraiser extraordinaire for St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia Orthodox Church in Norwich. After her retirement, Anne volunteered for many charitable organizations including Seaside, Backus Hospital, RSVP; and she established educational scholarships. Anne was a member of Connecticut Retired Teachers Association and an over 50 years member of Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher’s Society.
Anne is predeceased by her husband Nicholas; and sister Helen Tarryk. She leaves nieces and nephews: Dr. George Tarryk, Richard Tarryk, Shirlee Holmes, Mary Tague and Jean Howard; in addition, numerous grand and great-grandnieces and nephews; a special “adopted son” Scott Jones; caring neighbors, Mark and Elisa Zapp; and her precious cat “Petunia.” Anne recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a wonderful gathering of family, friends and former students. Anne was loved by many for her strength, generosity, work ethic and positive kind spirit. She will be missed.
Services will be held Saturday, June 4. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. The funeral commences at 10 a.m. at Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia Orthodox Church, 364 Canterbury Turnpike, Norwich. The family would like to thank Hospice for their compassionate care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy New Martyrs Orthodox Church or an animal charity of choice. “May her memory be eternal.” Please visit www. labenskifuneralhome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.