Margery Lavery, 82, died on April 22 surrounded by loving family. Margery was born in Bay Shore, New York, on August 21, 1933, to Charles and Eleanor Hendrickson.
She is survived by three children, Gary Shields of Goshen, Michael Lavery of Becket, Massachusetts, and Andrea Lavery of Old Saybrook. A beloved son, Timothy Shields, and husband Silvio Lavatori, predeceased her. Margery is also survived by five grandchildren, Jennifer, Alessandro, Kylie, Daniel, and Magdalene. She leaves behind sisters Judith Reid of Greens Farms and Janet Darlington of Rye, New York; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who affectionately called her “Weetie.” Julio Capezzone, her devoted companion for more than 25 years, also survives her.
Margery spent her early years in New York, both in Katonah and on Long Island. She had fond memories of time spent at the family’s beach cottage in Babylon, where she went clamming and fishing with her father as a young child. Margery was a graduate of Katonah (John Jay) High School, where she was involved in countless activities and made lasting friendships. She received a degree at Cortland State Teachers College. For many years she taught fourth grade at Increase Miller Elementary in the Katonah-Lewisboro school system. Later she worked alongside her husband Si in their quaint mom-and-pop grocery store, where she discovered a talent for making delicious soups. Her soups were so well received by customers wanting the recipes that Margery wrote a cookbook entitled Soups for All Seasons.
Following the death of her husband, she moved to Old Saybrook in 1984. She was later employed by the Town of Guilford as the food service director, where she masterfully planned and executed thousands of meals for seniors both on site and through Meals on Wheels. It is there that she met her love Julio, with whom she would spend the remainder of her years. Together they enjoyed some wonderful vacations and adventures. As trips became more difficult with Marge’s health gradually failing, they contented themselves with simple pleasures like a daily drive to the Guilford Dock to eat an orange, look out at the water, and feed the seagulls.
Marge loved time with children and grandchildren whom she absolutely adored. Outdoor picnics by the water in places like Chatfield Hollow and Jacob’s Beach were always a favorite pastime. She stayed close with her sisters throughout her life and looked forward to frequent lunches with them. An animal lover, she also doted upon her two kitties, Carly and Charlie. Playing Scrabble regularly with friends, watching Jeopardy faithfully, and reading the New York Times were some of Marge’s daily diversions to keep her mind sharp. Margery was bright, quick-witted, well-read, and kind. All who knew her will miss her sense of humor, warmth, and way with words.
There will be a private graveside service and interment of ashes in Amawalk, New York. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in her memory to one of the following: Meals on Wheels of Guilford/Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, 310 State St., Unit 200, Guilford, CT 06437, 203-453-8359, http://givct.org/donate/; or Forgotten Felines, 153 Horse Hill Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498, 860-669-1347, forgottenfelinesct.org.
