Mary F. DeToro
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> Mary (Faccinto) DeToro, 97, of Killingworth passed away peacefully on February 9, 2023 after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Floremond "Whitey" DeToro and the daughter of the late Rocco Sr. and Antoinette (Gallinoto) Faccinto.
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> Mary was born in West Hartford on January 24, 1926. She came from very humble beginnings and found happiness in the simple things in life. Mary was in high school when the war broke out and she decided to get a job at Pratt and Whitney to help her parents and siblings. In her younger days, she loved to sing and would enter talent shows, harmonizing with her sister, Carm. She taught herself to play the piano by ear and could often be found playing her favorite tunes on the keyboard. She met her husband, Whitey, on a blind date and settled in Middletown where they raised their children. Mary worked as a bookkeeper for DeToro Electric and Middletown Electric and Supply for several years.
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> Each and every person has a "Nana" story to tell that is forever imprinted in their hearts. For her family, many of these memories took place at their beach cottage in Westbrook, waking to the smell of Mary's world class doughboys and playing Rummikub and various card games on the porch. Mary's wit and "sleight of hand" maneuvers during these games generated lots of laughs. Together with her children and grandchildren, they would spend sunny days in the sand and enjoy Mary's culinary creations in the evenings. Her homemade sauce, pickled peppers, and hot relish were some of the family's favorites, in addition to her delectable desserts. She proudly put her own unique twist on anything she made. She crafted many homemade gifts for friends and family. Truth be told, Mary could have given Martha Stewart a run for her money. Mary never acted her age. At 70, she decided to try her hand at roller blading with her granddaughter, fell and broke her wrist. Mary enjoyed many winters in Boca Raton. Even after Whitey's passing, Mary continued to have a wonderful life in Florida with a multitude of friends who enjoyed her incredible energy, sense of humor, and outstanding card-playing talents. Mary's legacy will live on in a yearly Christmas tradition known as the "Dirty Shame" game, a fun-filled gift exchange that will continue to create joyous memories for many holidays to come. Truly, Mary was 97 years young right up until the day she left this life. She was thoughtful, kind, funny, and was adored by her entire family.
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> Mary is survived by her children, Donna & James Malady of Vermont, Donald & Elsie DeToro of Middletown, Debra & Robert Langer of Killingworth, grandchildren Donald & Sarah DeToro of Higganum, Emily DeToro & Joseph Cunningham of Middletown, Ann & Mark Ferguson of Berlin, and great grandchildren McKenna, Landon, Charles and Grace. She also leaves two sisters, Lucille Berry of Norwich and Joan Salamone of Arizona, many nieces and nephews as well as her beloved boxer, Izzy. She was predeceased by three sisters, Ann McGee, Carmella Nelson, Dolores Klein and a brother, Rocco Faccinto.
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> The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Middlesex Hospital for their tremendous care and compassion during Mary's final days. A private service will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.
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