MARINO, MARY ANN (VERNALI) Mary Ann (Vernali) Marino entered eternal peace on June 23, 2016. She was married to the "love of her life", her predeceased husband, Francis "Chick" Marino for 63 wonderful years. She was 88 years old. Mary was born on December 23, 1927 in Hartford, CT to Grace Sononne and Giuseppe Vernali. It was in these early years that Mary began her passion for cooking under the tutelage of her grandmother. She later moved to Middletown, CT where she continued to develop her cooking skills with her mom. Not only was Mary a great cook, she was also, an exceptional baker. She attended cake decorating classes and her exceptional creativity was enjoyed by both family and friends. This passion continued throughout her life and the entire family anxiously looked forward to enjoying her wonderful dishes and desserts. As the oldest of five children, she learned at an early age the importance and meaning of having a strong work ethic. She continued with various jobs throughout her long life ultimately retiring from the State of Connecticut as a cook at Vinal Regional Technical High School. She always found the time after a long day of work to prepare amazing meals for her family, bake desserts and maintain her beautiful gardens. She was an incredible role model for all of us to emulate. Mary was a developed seamstress. She artfully created many different styles of clothing for herself and her daughter, Maureen. She was a deeply religious person and a lifelong member of St. Sebastian Church. Mary was also a member of the St. Theresa's Guild for many years. She was completely devoted to her family and it always remained her guiding force. She is predeceased by her husband Francis "Chick" Marino and her parents Giuseppe and Grace Vernali. She is survived by her son Frank and wife Yvonne of Derry, NH; daughter Maureen Stender of New Britain, her grandchildren Sean Marino and wife Rachel; Jeffery Stender and Leighanne Maluchnik; Nicole (Marino) Sobol and husband Bernie and great-grandchildren Bernard "Jack" Sobol and Jason Marino. Mary is also survived by her brothers John Vernali and wife Nancy; Steve Vernali and predeceased wife Monica; Joseph "Butch" Vernali and wife Sharon; and sister Lucille Muscatello and predeceased husband Joseph; predeceased brother-in-law Sebastian Marino and wife Ann, brother-in-law John Marino and wife Jane; sister-in-law Rosemarie Colavito and predeceased husband Louis. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be from 5-7pm on Wednesday, June 29 at the D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown, CT. The funeral mass will be on Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington Street, Middletown, CT followed by a Roman Catholic burial at St. Sebastian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.