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Mary Perzanowski Shepard, 96, passed away peacefully on Feb. 16 at The Pines at Bristol after a long illness. The widow of L. Warren Shepard, Mary was also predeceased by her parents Konstanty F. Perzanowski and Valeria Milnicki Perzanowski, as well as by her brothers and sisters John, Dorothy, Bernice, and Adam Perzanowski.

Mary was born in Rockville and attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Rockville High School. After graduating from Hartford Hospital Nursing School, she worked there and at Rockville Hospital before volunteering for service in the Army Nurse Corps, bravely serving in World War II with the 235th Field Hospital in Marseilles, France. Returning to Rockville after her Honorable Discharge in 1946, she worked as a public health nurse until her marriage.

Mary and Warren had five children in eight years and she was a loving and busy wife and full-time mother until Warren's death in 1963. Moving from North Reading, Massachusetts, to Southington, while continuing as a caring and attentive mother, she returned to work as an RN in a local nursing home, and then as a public health nurse for the City of Meriden, also serving as a school nurse at John Barry and Roger Sherman Elementary Schools until her retirement in 1986. During her retirement years, she lived in Meriden and Upton, Massachusetts, enjoying time with her growing family, joining the church choir, reading, following her beloved Boston Red Sox and traveling, including reunions with the 235th Field Hospital Unit.

In 2011, Mary moved to New Britain, living with her dear son Jim, especially enjoying aspects of her beloved Polish heritage that she experienced there. During her last three years, declining health necessitated long-term care. Her family were never far from her side, treasuring her always.

Mary is survived by her five children, Dr. Kathleen Shepard (Nicholas Cafardi), James Shepard, Diane Siniscalchi (James), Mary Louise Glad (John), and Patricia Dobrowolski (Christopher); as well as thirteen grandchildren, Christopher Cafardi (Amy), Nicholas Cafardi (Alicia), James Siniscalchi, Michael Siniscalchi (Jennifer), Robert Siniscalchi (Jessica), Daniel Siniscalchi (Christine), Brian Siniscalchi (fiancee' Noelle Roller), Steven Siniscalchi, Joseph and David Glad, Peter Glad (Brittany), and Elizabeth and Victoria Dobrowolski. She also leaves three great-grandchildren, Shane and Alaina Cafardi and Theodore Siniscalchi.

A Mass of Resurrection is scheduled at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford, at 10 a.m. on Feb. 24, celebrated by her nephew Rev. Thomas B. Shepard. There will be no Calling Hours. Everyone should arrive directly at the church. Interment beside her dear husband will follow at St. George Cemetery. Guilford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Monsignor Bojnowski Manor, 50 Pulaski St., New Britain, CT, or to the charity of your choice. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.