Mary Lou Maillett

Niantic — Mary Lou Maillett, 79, of Niantic passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. She was born in New London Dec. 28, 1941, the daughter of Louis J. and Frances Sullivan Maillett.

Mary Lou had an eye for fashion, a flair for design and a personality much larger than her stature. Mary Lou loved jazz and catching up with her classmates from the first graduating class of Waterford High School.

Mary Lou was especially close to her two grandchildren whose care she happily shared in throughout their formative years. They affectionately called her “Das,” a name she lovingly embraced as representing her unique and cherished relationship with them. Das was a constant at East Lyme sporting events during their teens and was often called upon to bring forgotten baseball gloves and volleyball knee pads!

She was a loyal, fun and reliable mother, grandmother, sister and friend, who was always there to help her family tackle challenges big or small. Mary Lou treasured all of life’s joys to the fullest, from Ferrero Rocher chocolates and trips to the Cape with friends, to her growing and loving family. Her guidance, sharp wit and laughter will be immeasurably missed.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter Andrea Sutera Zrenda; and her two brothers, Leonard “Skip” (Robin) Maillett, Mark (Pat) Maillett, all of Niantic; two grandchildren, Kyle (Kerry) Zrenda of Old Lyme and Kelly Zrenda (fiancé Scott Neri) of Stamford; and one beautiful great-granddaughter, Zoë Lou Zrenda.

She also leaves behind several longtime friends, in addition to her BFF and partner in adventure and hijinks, Carol Larson Robinson.

All services will be private. Please visit www.byles.com to share a memory or a condolence with the family.