Maryann Dembek
Waterford — Maryann Dembek passed away Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, New London. She was 97 years old and had experienced the Great Depression, World War II, and she shared memories of those devastating times, how challenging life was and how the Dembek family and friends survived those events. Maryann would tell us the family’s stories of growing their own vegetables, known as their “Victory Garden.”
Maryann Dembek of Waterford was born Oct. 1, 1924, in New London, the daughter of Teofil and Bronislawa Barszcz Dembek. Maryann graduated from Williams Memorial Institute and worked for 32 years as an office clerk for Better Business Practice. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Quaker Hill. Her strong Catholic faith dated back as a congregant of the original Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Steven J. Dembek; and five sisters, Josephine Martin, Helen Dembek, Jennie Stronesky, Pauline Dembek and Wanda McElreath.
She is survived by her nephews, Steven J. McElreath of New London, and his wife Micki; and James T. Martin and his wife, Diane of Wallingford. Her other nephews, Donald McElreath and Manny Martin predeceased her. Her niece Annette M. Cavan also passed before her. Surviving her are her niece, Patricia A. McElreath and Nancy Greene; and her beloved great-niece Audrey L. Cavan.
Maryann was a kind, thoughtful, gentle soul. We will Deeply Miss our Mamie.
The family would like to thank Stephanie Church for her continued friendship and support of Maryann Dembek.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 16, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Afterwards, a Christian Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 22 Maple Ave., Quaker Hill. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.