Mary Porrazzo, age 95 of Rehoboth Beach, DE and formerly Wilton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday Nov. 9, at Brandywine Seaside Pointe in Rehoboth. She was known at Brandywine for her warmth and kindness, and her beautiful smile.
Born on Feb. 15, 1930 in Flushing, NY, Mary was the oldest daughter of the late Michael D’Elia and Theresa (Tessie) D’Elia. She was educated in New York City where she graduated from Textile High School and then worked at B. Altman and Company.
On Nov. 10, 1951, Mary married Salvatore Porrazzo and they shared 57 years together until his passing in 2008. They had three children, Debra, Teresa and Andrew, for whom she was always there and devoted to. She was a loving grandmother, and beloved “Nana,” to her four grandchildren and three great grandchildren .
Mary enjoyed nearly 20 years at Westport Bank and Trust in Connecticut where she developed lifetime friendships with a group of women who were there for each other always. They were affectionately referred to as the Golden Girls. They remained friends forever.
In her retirement, one of Mary’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren, and her family and friends. She played golf, loved watching golf on Sundays, and taking chair yoga. She always looked forward to lunches with her many friends at a Wilton favorite, Orem’s Diner. Mary was a dedicated volunteer at the Wilton Food Pantry and a member of Stay at Home in Wilton. She also participated in the Norwalk Walk for Alzheimer’s for a number of years. At Brandywine, she was one of the Brandywine Singers.
She is survived by her three children.
Mary will always be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, a great grandmother and friend. She was gentle and kind, a strong soul and spirit, and a generous heart. Her beautiful smile will always be remembered. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.