The Life of Mary Durante
Mary Eleanor DuRante, age 82, a recent resident of Pittsfield, MA. from Springfield MA., entered into eternal rest on December 21. Born May 25, 1930 in Derby, Ct., daughter of the late Rev, William H.C. DuRante & Clara DuRante. Raising her nine children in New Haven, Waterbury, and Torrington Ct., Ms. DuRante’s passion was working with children. Mary was a Head Start teacher in Waterbury, and also co-founder of NOW Inc., she also worked as a teacher in the US Virgin Islands. Former Vice pres. of Ger-Don in Spfld, MA, and an active member at Gardener AME Zion church for 20 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, Catherine Burton (James) of Springfield, MA., Claire Caesar (Keith) of Pittsfield MA. & Eleanor Adams of Pittsfield with whom she resided, sons Anthony Adams (Cathy) of Torrington, Dennis Adams of Springfield, MA, Ralph Adams (Amy) of Portland, ME. & Shawne Adams (Lois) of Jacksonville, FL., sisters Shirley Bostic of Ansonia & Joyce Powell of Winsted, CT., brothers, Melburn DuRante (Cathy) of Torrington & Rev. Willard Durant of Pittsfield, MA. as well as 16 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren & 1 great great granddaughter, and former husband Malcolm Perry. She was predeceased by her son Alvah J. Adams Jr., daughter Mary Adams Miller, granddaughter Tracy Eleanor Gatlin, great grandson Marquise Powell, brothers William (Dewey) DuRante, Rev. Charles DuRante & Marvin DuRante, sister in law Rosemary Durant & former husband Alvah J. Adams Sr. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 28 at 11:00 a.m. from The Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church on Central St. in Ansonia. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, is entrusted with arrangements. (www.jenkinskingfh.com). In lieu of flowers please make contributions to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.