Galat, Marie V. (Dalena)

Marie Veronica Dalena Galat of Bristol CT passed away with her family by her side on Saturday February 25, 2023. Born on October 3, 1934 in Hartford, CT to the late Guiseppi and Marie (Garguilo) Dalena. She spent her childhood in Plainville, CT. After marrying, she spent her life raising her daughters in Bristol. She was predeceased by her husband Walter Galat, her brothers Joseph, Donald, and Vincent, her sisters Noreen and Theresa and her daughter Dawnmarie. She is survived by her daughters Joann, Ramona and Lorilyn, her son-in-laws John and Mark, her grandchildren Alexander, Nicole, [Jonathan], Jolanta, Alyssa, [Michael], Karina, Tanisha, Sabrina and Sarah and her great-grandchildren Logan, Liam, Makenna and Sophia, and her sister-in-law Ruth Dalena. Marie adored her eight grandchildren and took great joy in going on summer vacations with the whole family by the ocean. She traveled to Hawaii, California, Maine, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Scotland, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, many of which were pilgrimages. Marie, or Nona, as she was called by all, was a gift giving soul. She never missed a birthday, graduation, adoption day party or celebration of any kind. She was generous and always had a gift for you even when there was no occasion! She extended her love and generosity in multiple volunteer endeavors. She taught CCD at St. Gregory Church for 17 years, led prayer groups, was a member of the Bristol Eastern HS Music Boosters Club and was a busy CT Yankee Girl Scout leader. Marie delighted in teaching her students, her children and her grandchildren and highly valued a good education. Marie graduated from Briarwood College as a CNA in 1971. She continued to work hard at Central CT State Univ earning her Bachelor of Science Degree, CT Teaching Certificate, and Master of Science Degree in Reading and Education in 1993 at the age of 59! In addition to her volunteering she privately tutored K – 8 students. Her passion for literature, especially for Beatrix Potter, continued over the years with creative writing and love and support for the local public library. Calling hours in celebration of Marie's life will be held on Monday, March 6, from 10:30 to 12pm at St. Gregory the Great R.C. Church, 235 Maltby St., Bristol. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12pm at St Gregory's Church. Burial will be at St Joseph's Cemetery, Bristol, CT immediately after service. Memorial Contributions can be made in Marie's name to the Bristol Public Library at 5 High St, Bristol, CT 06010, 860-584-7787 or http://bristollib.com/ friends/donate/ . OR to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Stockbridge, MA http://forms.thedivinemercy.org/shrine/donation/?source=sodm