Mary Loretta (Durgan) Windel

Mary Loretta Windel, age 72, of Colchester, passed away peacefully at Chestelm Health & Rehabilitation Center on Friday, June 26th following a long, very courageous battle with cancer. 

Born in Plattsburgh, NY on August 9, 1947, she was the only daughter of Helen (Ormsby) Durgan & the late Charles Durgan. Mary grew up in New York and graduated from Peru High School with the class of 1965. Shortly after graduation on September 11, 1965, Mary & the love of her life, Mr. Paul Windel, were married; the couple moved to Colchester in 1971, where they made their home & raised their family. 

Mary was a hard worker; she worked for Whelen Engineering in Chester in the light bar kitting department until her retirement in 2012.  She enjoyed playing Monday night BINGO at the American Legion Post 156 in Moodus & sometimes also at Foxwoods Casino. Mary enjoyed coffee & conversations with her good friend, Jen. However, above all, the greatest happiness in Mary’s life came from her family. She especially adored her grandsons & enjoyed watching them compete in tractor pulling competitions; they were her pride & joy.

Mary will be forever loved & missed by her beloved husband of over 54 years, Paul Windel of Colchester; her cherished children, Karen Moore & her husband, Bruce of Marlborough, Terry Swol of East Hampton, and Brenda Windel of Colchester; her mother, Helen Durgan of Morrisonville, NY; her adored grandsons, Matthew & Joshua; her brothers, Gary Durgan of Morrisonville, NY and Tony Durgan & his wife, Denise of Peru, NY; as well as numerous extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Charles Durgan as well as her brother, Joseph Durgan.

Mary’s family would like to thank the staff of Middlesex Health Hospice as well as the staff of Chestelm Health & Rehabilitation Center for providing the most exceptional care & kindness during the difficult times.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 30th from 10:00am – 12:00pm at the Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home, located at 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester. Burial will immediately follow at Linwood Cemetery in Colchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Middlesex Health Hospice, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

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