Mary ( "Mae" ) M Besse

Mary “Mae” M Besse, 87, of Bristol, wife of the late Elmer F Besse, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday January 7, 2019 after a long battle with dementia and COPD.  Born in Bridgeport, CT, Mary was the daughter of the late Arthur W. and Anna V. (Baluha) Shortell and is predeceased by her sister Florence A. Costa and her stepson David Besse.

Mary was employed as a factory worker at Avco Lycoming in Stratford, CT as well as a bank teller for several years.  Mary enjoyed her many friends in Ladylake, FL., at Flanders West in Southington CT and Countryside Manor in Bristol, CT, which is where she lived for the last 2 years. Her interests included playing cards, especially Solitaire, in the early morning hours and trips to the casino with her sister. Mary devoted much of her time as a homemaker and caregiver to her family members.

Mary is survived by her stepson and daughter-in-law Stephen and Lucy Besse of Watertown, CT, a niece Lisa Salza and her husband Bill Salza of Manchester, CT, a very special “daughter-in-law” Karen Martins Wilson, a granddaughter Nicole Marie Besse, a great granddaughter Ileanis Marie Navarro all of Plymouth, CT. 

A private burial will be held at the Florida National VA Cemetary in Bushnell, FL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association   National Headquarters 225 N Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (act.alz.org)

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