Cheshire - (203) 272-7209 | Naugatuck - (203) 729-2253 | Waterbury - (203) 753-5112
Tribute Wall
Friday
20
October
Visitation at Funeral Home
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday, October 20, 2017
Alderson-Ford Funeral Home
201 Meadow Street
Naugatuck, Connecticut, United States
Saturday
21
October
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Congregational Church Of Naugatuck
Division Street
Naugatuck, Connecticut, United States
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Anne Cawley posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
To all the McCleary family. There is no way that I can think of my childhood growing up in Naugatuck without thoughts of your Mom. The years in the church choir with her and the joy she brought to the music. Listening to your Mom playing the organ in church. My Mother was in your Mom's handbell choir for years and I know how much my Mother loved doing it and how important it was to her. Mrs. McCleary opened windows into music for so many of us....
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Peggy Norton posted a condolence
Thursday, November 2, 2017
I have such fond memories of Mary and her beautiful, joyful, enthusiastic organ playing. I was in choirs and in bell choir which was such an opportunity not available everywhere. I have bought a new digital piano and am taking lessons. One of the options is "church organ" and I love it for the sounds and the memories. I can see her even today. I'm glad she had such a long, musical life. Celebrate it. With love, Peggy Norton
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P.L. Grove posted a condolence
Monday, October 23, 2017
To the family of Mary McCleary, I would like to echo the words of Beth Judd. Mary McCleary had a tremendous impact on the future of handbells. I still smile whenever I hear or ring her Fanfare for Bells. May you be comforted in knowing that her musicianship has had a profound impact not just on those who knew her personally, but on the handbell community at large.
P.L. Grove, President
Handbell Musicians of America (formerly AGEHR)
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Ken and Betsy Beyer posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family in your loss. Mary was an inspiration to other musicians and always there to help others with musical questions or needs. It was
such a privilege to have known her.
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Jeanine Dovell posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2017
"Mrs. McCleary" had a tremendous influence on my musical upbringing. Sixty years after we met, she is still influencing my musical life in so many little ways. I still remember her piano student parties where we played The Educated Cat. And those community Messiahs that she and Jesse Davis put together for years--they were seminal experiences for me as a lifelong singer and music businesswoman. Her legacy will no doubt ring out for years to come, and for this one grateful musician, forever. I'm sorry I can't be there in person to pay my condolences, but know I'm there in spirit.
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Peggy Dibble Allen posted a condolence
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Mary McCleary was my mentor, a truly formative influence in my growing up. Every week for years I went to choir and bell choir and most of the scripture I know by memory comes from singing anthems and hymns in these groups. The earliest anthem I remember, from Carol Choir days, is 'Still, Still, Still'. Mrs. McCleary was courageous enough to take a dozen high school kids to the Crane Estate in Ipswich, Mass. almost every year to participate in a bell choir convention; and one year she took those same high school kids to Tennessee (I think it was Tennessee -- I developed a fever the day before that trip and wasn't able to go). I turned pages for her when she played the concert to dedicate the new organ in Naugatuck. She played the organ for my wedding. She was an incredibly talented organist, which may not have been appreciated by many, and a gifted composer and arranger. She was a major force in my life and in the lives of so many. I will always remember her with deep admiration and love.
Peggy Dibble Allen
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Kathy Boutot Bennett and Lou Cavagnaro posted a condolence
Friday, October 20, 2017
Charlie and family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. Blessed beyond words with such a long life.
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Jennifer Swiftwater Vyhnak posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, October 19, 2017
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Beth Watson Judd posted a condolence
Thursday, October 19, 2017
As a past president and long-time member of AGEHR/HMA, I am so very grateful for Mary McCleary and her life and legacy to the art of handbell ringing. Her Fanfare for Bells rings joyously around the world to this day and will continue to give witness to her gifts for generations to come. God richly bless all of the family with joyful memories of this gracious and talented lady and peace and comfort in your grief. Beth Watson Judd
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Joseph Geyer posted a condolence
Thursday, October 19, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the passing of Mary McCleary. I spent many wonderful times singing for her. She was a wonderful organist and person. My prayers will be with you.
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Michelle Faraci lit a candle
Thursday, October 19, 2017
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Michelle Faraci posted a condolence
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Mary was a kind and loving soul. Her vibrant nature and musical talent will always be remembered. I was in the bell choir at FCC of Watertown, CT. It was a pleasure to meet her, and have her as our director. Mary will be missed. Many people were so blessed to meet her. May Mary rest in peace. My condolences to her family.
Michelle Faraci
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Juyeon Lee purchased flowers
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
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Rev. Dr. Christopher Drew posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
So sorry to learn of Mary's passing. I had several opportunities to meet her and hear her play. I served as pastor at First Baptist in Plymouth, the new location of FBC, Waterbury where she served for so many years. She was a lovely lady and such an outstanding musician. I could only wish I had the opportunity to have worked with her. Please know you all are in my prayers in this time of loss.
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The family of Mary G. McCleary uploaded a photo
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
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Contact Us
Cheshire - (203)272-7209
Naugatuck - (203) 729-2253
Waterbury - (203)753-5112
dan@aldersonfuneralhomes.com
Cheshire - 615 South Main St. (Rt. 10) P.O. Box 89 Cheshire CT 06410
Naugatuck - 201 Meadow Street (Rt. 63) Naugatuck CT 06770
Waterbury - 496 Chase Ave., Waterbury, CT 06704