Mary Chiacu

 Mary Chiacu, age 94, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully, at home on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Mary was born and raised in Blackstone, MA, daughter of the late Athanase and Evangelia Rutcha. Growing up she enjoyed playing baseball and ice skating. At 17 years old, she met her future husband Sam. They we’re married in St. Dimitrie Church in New York City on May 22, 1949. They lived in New York until 1958 when they moved to Norwalk, CT. where they raised their three children. They moved to Bridgeport in 1997. Mary was an active member of St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, she sang in the church choir and belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary and St. Dimitrie retirees group and a willing volunteer for the various church functions. Mary was an avid baker, cook, knitter, crocheter and phenomenal card player. You could never visit her without her asking if you’d like something to eat, and she would never take no for an answer! No matter what she served, it was always delicious. Mary is predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years, Sam.

She leaves behind her children, Patricia Apuzzo of Pittsburgh, PA, Dale Ziem and her husband David of Bethel, CT, and Vasil Chiacu and his wife Lori of Trumbull, CT, Grandchildren Adam Apuzzo and his wife Sujean, Jessica Butterbaugh and her husband Eric, Geena Chiacu, Thomas Chiacu, her great-granddaughters Elena and Alice Butterbaugh, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, directly at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT., with the Rev. Fr. George M. Coca officiating.  Viewing is at 11:00 am, service is at noon with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Bridgeport.

Mary's family would like to give special thanks to Simone and Miriam for the loving care they gave Mary during her last year.

Arrangements are in the care of the Frank Polke & Son Funeral Home.

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