Obituary
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Marie Linehan Chiappetta. She passed away peacefully in Fort Myers, Florida on February 22.
Marie was born on October 5, 1927, in Bridgeport Connecticut, the daughter of Anna Lauretta and Francis Linehan. She grew up in Stamford, Connecticut attending Sacred Heart Academy and graduating from the College of New Rochelle.
In 1954, she married Louis Chiappetta and was blessed with four daughters and a son. While raising her children, Marie was active in the community as a Girl Scout leader and CCD teacher and also worked with Neighbor to Neighbor distributing clothes to the homeless.
After retiring from her work in the Greenwich public school system, Marie devoted herself to volunteering. She was active in St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside where she served as president of the Women’s Guild and led many of its activities. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector, and volunteered at the Parish Rectory. As a Greenwich Hospital volunteer, she delivered the mail, flowers and friendly words to patients, and ministered to the sick, delivering communion to patients and making home visits to those in need. Marie also led Greenwich Hospital’s interfaith prayer service and frequently served at parish funerals. To honor her service to others, the College of New Rochelle awarded her the Ursula Laurus Citation.
A devout Catholic, Marie lived her faith every day attending daily mass, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. After her husband’s passing in 2018, Marie moved to Hill House in Riverside, next door to the church she attended for many years. In 2024, she relocated to Seaside in Fort Myers to be closer to family while retaining her independence.
Throughout her 97 years, her deep faith, warm heart and unwavering support of others touched the lives of many in her community.
Marie is survived by her five children: Mary Louise Chiappetta, Fort Myers, FL; Kathleen Cone (George), Killington, VT; David Chiappetta (Peg), Readfield, ME; Claire Chiappetta, Dallas, TX; and Laurie McShea (John), Old Greenwich, CT. Also mourning her loss are seven grandchildren: Lindsay Cone; Robert Cone (Liz); Louis, Maddalena and Dennis Chiappetta; and Jack and Caroline McShea; siblings Anne Louise Linehan, RSM, and Rev. David Linehan; sisters-in-law Patricia Linehan and Patrice Linehan and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Dr. Francis Linehan, Dr. Robert Linehan, and James Linehan.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday March 19th at 10:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena church in Riverside immediately followed by a mass and celebration of Marie’s life at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marie’s memory may be made to The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes, 4 Riverside Ave, Riverside, CT 06878 or Hill House at 10 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, CT 06878.
She had a lovely, special spirit that we will be reminded of for years to come.
Rest in peace, Marie.
A lovely lady, a gentle and giving mother and grandmother, Marie will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
May she rest in peace.
Although I did not know Marie well, her faith and her goodness shines through her children. All of us who are Claire's friends in Dallas have witnessed Claire and her siblings' steadfast and enduring devotion to their Mom and Dad.
Good children are products of good parents. And this family is a stellar example of what it means to love and care for one another.
I've heard many stories about Marie's many acts of kindness to others and her fun spirit, even in the stressful later years of her life.
My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. God blessed Marie. May God bless all of us at this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort in knowing that you did everything possible to give her a wonderful quality of life.
Olive (One of Claire's many friends in Dallas)