Harriet Hazel Marco

Harriet Hazel (King) Marco, 88, passed away peacefully in her Willington home on April 11, 2011, following a long decline in her health. Harriet was born in Wequetequock, Connecticut, on July 24, 1922. She graduated from Stonington High School and then received a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics from the University of Connecticut. After teaching high school for three years, she met and married the love of her life, Nicholas Marco, with whom she raised four children, traveled the world, and grew beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Harriet also taught kindergarten and nursery school, and completed a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. She concluded her career as a private tutor for disadvantaged teens, and helped to raise her grandchildren, inspiring them to be adventurous and intellectually curious. She will always be remembered for: being a wonderful, welcoming hostess, happiest when her house was filled with people; having a beautiful marriage with her husband, a 62-year relationship that inspired everyone with its tenderness and sincerity; and for her quick wit and joyful sense of humor, which stayed with her even through her last hour. Harriet is survived by her children Mary Anne Mathieu and her husband Wayne of Beavercreek, Ohio; Nicholas Steven Marco and his wife Kannika of Hua Hin, Thailand; Judith Marco and her husband Peter Cortiel of Willington; and George Andrew Marco and his wife Lisa of Willington; plus eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, who all benefitted from her warm and nurturing character. Both Harriet and Nick (who died in February 2010) are sorely missed. The family invites everyone who would like to pay their respects to stop by Harriet's home, 72 Eldredge Road, on April 30 between 2 and 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, they suggest a donation to the Willington Public Library (7 Ruby Road, Willington, CT 06279), as Harriet was an avid reader. For the on-line memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .