Mary Lou (Costello) Marinelli, born April 24, 1937, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November, 12, 2015. Mary Lou’s strength and courage was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was the loving wife of Joseph F. Marinelli , Sr. until his death in 1998. She was also the loving mother of seven children.

Mary Lou graduated from Manchester High School in 1954. She cherished the friendships that she made there. After High School, Mary Lou was a devoted wife and mother. Holidays and traditions were an important part of the foundation she built for them. After retiring from the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT, Mary Lou enjoyed many winters with her husband, Joe, in St. Petersburgh, Florida. Mary Lou had a very creative spirit. She seemed to accomplish almost anything she attempted and over the years pursued many interests. She was a great fan of UCONN womens’ basketball! She also enjoyed the History channel, Discovery and Animal Planet, and was a great Jeopardy and scrabble player! She also liked watching old English movies, and puzzles in her spare time. During Mary Lou’s life she took up many hobbies. She enjoyed wood working and made many furniture pieces in the family home. She went on to create beautiful watercolor paintings which adorned her home. She also made pen and ink pictures of homes and buildings, including the Killingworth Library, where she was a member of the Library Association. Mary Lou crocheted beautiful baptism outfits for her grandchildren, and one Christmas made each one of them a special hat .Mary Lou also became a Master Gardener, and her gardens flourished. She was expert at making a house a home.

Mary Lou leaves behind her son, Bruce Bergeron and his wife, Robin; her daughter Karen Metersky and her husband Dr. Mark Metersky; Ellen Hemberger and her husband, Chris; Sue Barnett and her husband, Kevin; Joanne Andrews and her husband, Ken; Joseph Marinelli, Jr. (Jay) and Lyn Douville; Julie Rhodes and her husband David. She left an eternal impression on her adoring grandchildren, who loved her dearly; Michael Bergeron, and his wife, Nora; Ashley Bergeron and her fiance’ Garret Ward; Andrew Metersky and Josh Metersky; Madelyn, Nolan and Andrea Hemberger; Jennifer Hossan and her husband Steve; Ryan Barnett; Natalie, Sarah, and Joey Andrews; Samantha, Jenna, and Mary Marinelli; Olivia Namnoun, Mia, Emma, and Cameron Rhodes. Mary Lou is also survived by her first great grandchild, Michaela Bergeron, who was a light in her life!

Ms. Marinelli is also survived by her devoted sister, Jackie Nowicki and her husband, Bob; her brother, Richard Costello and his wife Arline; Donald Costello and his wife Louise and David Costello. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, Joe, Mary Lou was predeceased by her mother and father, Yvette (Pelloquin) and John (Jack) Costello.

Mary Lou and her family were very grateful to her Oncologist, Dr. Susan Tannenbaum, Kristi Dubey, R.N. and the UCONN Breast Cancer Team; Dr. Hylwa, her Primary Care Physician; and a special thank you to her care givers, Stacy, Candy and the Hospice Team from Masonicare, who gave Mom many happy days.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4-7 pm on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Tpk, (Rt. 44), Coventry. A Funeral Home Service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 16, 2015. Burial will follow at Townsend Cemetery in Andover, CT. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.