Person Page - 13

     Mary Clare Healey was baptized on 15 January 1942 at Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, Sponsors were Richard and Nora Carey, neighbors of the Healy family.¹²
     Mary Clare Healey was born on 15 January 1942 at Waterbury, Connecticut..^13,14,15,4 She was baptized on 17 May 1942 at Saint Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut, by the Reverend L. S. Kelly. Sponsors were Richard and Nora Carey, neighbors of her parents.¹⁶ She was confirmed on 17 June 1961 at Saint Timothy Church, West Hartford, Connecticut.¹⁷
     Mary Clare Healey resided between September 1997 and August 2004 at Wolcott View Manor, Wolcott, Connecticut.^18,4
     Mary Clare Healey died on 30 August 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 62 Cardiopulmonary Arrest due to Congestive Heart Failure.^3,4,19 Mary Clare Healey's funeral was on 2 September 2004 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Waterbury, Connecticut, The following eulogy was written by Taryn L. Phelan, her niece, and read by Clare Elmendorf Kindall, her niece:
     "A friend is dearer than the light of heaven; for it would be better for us that the sun were extinguished, than that we should be without friends." (Chrysostum)
     Mary Clare was not only our sister,aunt,cousin, but also our friend. Plautus once said, "Where your friends are, there your riches are." Mary Clare was rich in friends; she was loved by all and gave it back twofold.
     Mary Clare would call me faithfully twice daily. In the morning, I'd hear about the activities she would be involved in: Bingo, ceramics, singing, getting her hair done, or just socializing. She'd say "Everyone knows me here." and it was true. She'd hop from room to room talking to patients at Wolcott View. Sometimes, we couldn't even find her when we went to visit because she was in someone else's room chatting. She was even spotted sitting in on the Baptist Bible classes faithfully! She was also our family's resident weather channel, letting us know if it would be too hot or cold to go outside and if a storm was abrewing. "Too hot to go outside today", she'd say. So, we'd take her for a wheelchair ride inside Wolcott View, sometimes with Gigi sitting upright on her lap. Gigi became "OUR" dog and she would proudly say that to anyone that came by to pet her.
     At Night, she'd call me again to tell me all about her day. She'd first say, "Hi, gorgeous" (gorshis) and I'd say "hi, beautiful". She often showed her sharp wit when I'd ask her what's new and she'd reply" New York, New Haven, New Hampshire". Sometimes, when she called I'd pretend not to know it's her and I'd say" Who's this...Aunt Patsy?" and she'd say "no". I'd go through all of our relatives' names when, in exasperation, she'd say, "Come on, Terry. You know who it is. It's ME, Mary Clare" and we'd both laugh. She would be excited to tell me she won $1.00 at Bingo that day. Suddenly, she'd ask how much money she has in the bank and I'd say "Millions", and she'd stop for a second and say, "Really?" Mary Clare would tell me about her day, providing me with essential information such as the number of times she voided and how many water pills she took. I would wince on the phone and want to say, "That's too much information", but I'd simply say, "that's nice, Mary Clare." Then, I'd sing her a French lullaby with her name in it, "Fais Do Do, Mary Clare" which means Go night night. She always had the same thing to say as she listened: "I like that". We would end with "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bugs bite. I love you".
     When Mary Clare was born, the doctors didn't think she would live very long. In a time when so many handicapped children were institutionalized, her parents cared for her at home. Gram and Grampa Healey spent countless hours commuting by train to NYC to visit her in the hospital after one of her many operations. She must have had a high pain threshold because she never complained. In a time when special education was unheard of, two extraordinary teachers, Ann Balff and Marily McKay, taught her to read and write at Hopeville School. They both said this summer that she was more helpful to the children than anything else. Kudos to these fine unsung heros.
     As grandma got older, Mary Clare took wonderful care of her mom. I remember being in church at Gram's funeral when sudddenly the silence was broken with loud sobs of "I want my mommy." It was heartwrenching to hear. And she lost the aunts one by one. She told me a few months ago that she missed Kelsey Street and I knew that she meant that she missed her life there. Last Mother's Day she was a little melancholy and weepy and she said, "I don't have a mother"(to celebrate Mother's Day with) and I said " Your family is in heaven, but I'll take care of you here on earth and your whole family will, too".
     Then she'd say about Wolcott View, "This is my home now. I like it here. There's always something to do." And she was right. I often told her she was the boss when it came to decisions and she liked that. She would repeat, "I'm the boss," and I'd say "Yup, you're the boss". But, it was the kindness and generosity of spirit of the people at Wolcott View who embraced her and made her feel that she belonged there, that it was truly home for her. For that, we are all sincerely grateful.
     What does one say about her cherished sisters and brother who have loved her, nurtured her and cared for her her whole life? They have always incorporated her into their own busy lives. She would wait with anticipation for Maureen and Peggy's Sunday visits, with Maureen bringing her a cup of ice cream. Mary Clare couold always count on having Thanksgiving at Peggy's. She loved coming to summer picnics at Jackie and Ralph's house when she could swim in the pool with her zillion nieces and nephews. She would excitedly recount when Jackie and Bob would visit her. Janice would spend hours sewing hand made tailored clothes or redoing store bought ones since it was so hard to find clothes that fit her. She appreciated all the hard work that Janice did for her and laughed at Uncle Bob's jokes. Mary Clare loved her only brother,John. Every Christmas, I'd tell her how generous her brother had been to her and she'd finagle the dollar amount out of me. "Wow", she'd say. He's good to me." She understood money well. But, it was her Patsy who she adored, Patsy who she depended on the most. Patsy was more than a sister to Mary Clare; she was her friend, her care giver, her confidante. Patsy was always there for her and she never complaind about the difficulties caring for her or getting wheelchairs into the car or getting her up the stairs for Christmas and Easter or how much time it took out of her schedule to involve Mary Clare in our lives for family occasions.
     And Mary Clare loved her nieces and nephews. She's often say to me, "How many nieces and nephews do I have?" And I'd answer, "Lots." They'd come and do Irish dancing for her, take her to the movies and the drive-in, play cards, go see the Christmas lights in Hartford, and get her involved in Special Olympics. She loved watching them swim in the river in Southbury on the 4th of July. She adored her cousin, Mary Clare Keane. Even though we're still not sure how we're related, it doesn't matter to any of us. Mary Clare would call her cousin in Delaware on Sunday and chat with her. She often told me she missed her cousin and I could see why.
     Some people are so special that once they enter your life, it becomes richer and fuller and more wonderful than you ever thought it could be. Mary Clare was that special person and we'd tell her over and over. She loved to hear it. She knew we meant it.
     So, good night, sweeheart. Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.
     We love you and will always remember how you've touched all of our lives.
                    Fais do do, our friend.²⁰
     Mary Clare Healey was buried on 2 September 2004 at New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut. (She is buried in the same plot as her mother and her father, but to the back of them.)^4,21,22

           Mary Phelan was born on 9 March 1881 at Waterbury, Connecticut. Born to Dennis Phalen and Mary Ryan.^2,3 She was baptized on 10 March 1881 at The Immaculate Conception Church, Waterbury, Connecticut, by the Reverend P. H. Finnegan. Sponsors were John Dowling and Bridget Keenan. Parents are Dennis Phelan and Mary Ryan.⁴
     Mary Phelan appears as Mary Phelan, age 19, in the census of 15 June 1900 at 398 Baldwin Street (rear), Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of John J. Phelan as his daughter.¹
     Mary Phelan resided in 1900 at 398 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,¹ and was a shop press at Waterbury.¹

           Bridget Bergin was born in 1838 at Clonaslee, Queens County, Ireland..⁴ She was also known to have been born in 1840 at Queens County (Laois), Ireland.¹ She was baptized on 23 January 1840 at Balliboy and Killoughy (Meath Diocese), Offaly, Ireland. Sponsors were Mick English and Rose Daly.¹ She was a servant in 1854 at Queens County, Ireland.⁵ She immigrated with Sarah Bergin, her sister, on 2 December 1854, aboard the ship, the North America with her sister, Bridget Bergin headed for New York, New York.⁶ Bridget Bergin was a sponsor at the baptism of Mary Phelan, her niece, on 27 September 1858 at The Immaculate Conception Church, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁷
     Bridget Bergin died on 15 August 1864 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸ She was buried in August 1864 at Old St. Joe's Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut. She is buried alongside her sister, Sarah Phelan and her niece, Mary Phelan.²

     Grandpa Dawson was a gatekeeper at Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, so says his great granddaughter, Anna Dwyer.¹

           Frederick W. Bowers was born in April 1863 at Connecticut..² He was also known to have been born in 1865 at Connecticut.³
     Frederick W. Bowers married Katherine (?) in 1890.^4,5
     Frederick W. Bowers, age 37, appears as head of household in the census of 2 June 1900 in 398 Dublin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, with Katherine (?), Edward Bowers, Helena Bowers, Loretta Bowers and Katherine Bowers. A boarder by the name of Alice Fitzgerald, age 15, was also living with this family. It shows that she was working in a factory. Living at 394 Dublin Street was Fred's father Fred Sr., age 64, born in Germany. His occupation was listed as a laborer. He was living with Fred's sister, Catherine, age 29, who was the housekeeper.¹ Frederick W. Bowers was a tube broger in June 1900 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁶
     Frederick W. Bowers, age 45, appears as head of household in the census of 22 April 1910 in 36 Second Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut, with Katherine (?), Helena Bowers, Edward Bowers and Katherine Bowers.⁷ Frederick W. Bowers was a meter tester at a gas works in April 1910 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁷

           Katherine (?) was born in May 1865 at Ireland..^1,2
     Katherine (?) immigrated in 1883 to the United States.¹
     Katherine (?) married Frederick W. Bowers in 1890.^3,4
     Katherine (?) appears as Catherine Bower, age 35, in the census of 2 June 1900 at 398 Dublin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Frederick W. Bowers as his wife.⁵
     Katherine (?) appears as Katherine Bowers, age 44, in the census of 22 April 1910 at 36 Second Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Frederick W. Bowers as his wife.⁶

           Edward Bowers was born in November 1891 at Connecticut..^3,4
     Edward Bowers appears as Edward Bower, age 8, in the census of 2 June 1900 at 398 Dublin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Frederick W. Bowers as his son.¹
     Edward Bowers appears as Edmond Bowers, age 18, in the census of 22 April 1910 at 36 Second Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Frederick W. Bowers as his son.⁵ Edward Bowers was a laborer in the piping department of a gas works company in April 1910 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁵

           Loretta Bowers died by 1910 at Waterbury, Connecticut.³
     Loretta Bowers was born in January 1893 at Connecticut..²
     Loretta Bowers appears as Loretta Bower, age 6, in the census of 2 June 1900 at 398 Dublin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Frederick W. Bowers as his daughter.¹

           Katherine Bowers was born in February 1895 at Connecticut..^3,4
     Katherine Bowers appears as Catherine Bower, age 4, in the census of 2 June 1900 at 398 Dublin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Frederick W. Bowers as his daughter.¹
     Katherine Bowers appears as Katherine, age 14, in the census of 22 April 1910 at 36 Second Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Frederick W. Bowers as his daughter.²

           Elizabeth J. Cremins was born on 2 August 1924 at Wales..²
     Elizabeth J. Cremins married Robert Charles Synott, son of Francis Joseph Synott Sr. and Dora Edna Saunders, at Waterbury, Connecticut.^1,3
     Elizabeth J. Cremins and Robert Charles Synott resided in 1963 at 118 Highland Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut.¹
     Elizabeth J. Cremins died on 27 March 2006 at Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 81.⁴

           Gloria D. Herr was born on 26 July 1928 at Waterbury, Connecticut..^4,5,6
     Gloria married Donald H. Synott, son of Raymond H. Synott and Susan B. Francis.^1,7,8
     Gloria D. Herr and Donald H. Synott resided in November 1966 at 72 Lockhart Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁹
     Gloria D. Herr died on 17 November 1966 at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 38 after a long illness.^2,10,11 She was buried on 20 November 1966 at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut, next to her husband, Donald.^12,13

           William E. Synott was born on 8 September 1925 at Waterbury, Connecticut..^6,7,3
     William E. Synott appears as William Synott, age 4 in the census of 13 April 1930 at 52 South View Street, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Raymond H. Synott as his son; Anna Machesney, mother-in-law to Raymond, was also living with the family. She was 49 yrs old and widowed. She immigrated in 1899 from Lithuania and was a press operator in a brass novelty shop.¹
     William E. Synott appears as William Synott, age 14 in the census of 13 April 1940 at 132 Greenleaf Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut,in the household of Raymond H. Synott as his son; Susan's sister, Adeline (age 25), and her widowed mother, Anna, (age 60), were also residing in this household.²
     William E. Synott married Lucille Ann Colucci.³ William E. Synott was a clerk for the U.S. Government in 1963 at Waterbury, Connecticut.⁸
     William E. Synott and Lucille Ann Colucci resided in 1963 at 362 Congress Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut.⁹ William E. Synott was the bus coordinator for the Department of Education in 1985 at Waterbury, Connecticut.³
     William E. Synott died on 8 February 1985 at Waterbury, Connecticut, at age 59.³

           Lucille Ann Colucci was born on 11 July 1928..²
     Lucille Ann Colucci married William E. Synott, son of Raymond H. Synott and Susan B. Francis.¹
     Lucille Ann Colucci and William E. Synott resided in 1963 at 362 Congress Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut.³
     Lucille Ann Colucci died on 18 March 2006 at age 77.²