Obituary of Mary Chandler

Florida-Mary E. Chandler, 93, of Sunny Isles Beach, FL and formerly of New London, CT died on Sunday, Dec. 6 following a fall in October. Most recently she had resided at Imperial Club in Aventura where she took up residence in June of this year. She was born in New London to Paul and Julia Bychowsky. On May 18, 1942 she was married to George C. Chandler who predeceased her in 2004. Her husband was a retired US Coast Guardsman and was president of the New London Central Labor Council while a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union. She was a graduate of the Williams Memorial Institute in New London and attended both New London Business College and Mitchell College. She was employed as a bookkeeper by a number of businesses in both New London and New York City, including Bernard's Specialty Store and the Hillside Home. She retired from the City of New London Welfare Department in 1982. In a congratulatory retirement letter, she was cited by the New London city manager for her professional attitude, accuracy, thoroughness and attention to detail. Additionally, former Connecticut Governor William A. O'Neill lauded her for her skillful and energetic devotion to the Welfare Department. In 1964 she served as treasurer of the newly-formed Women's Auxiliary of the Political Education Committee of the State Central Labor Council. She also served as treasurer of the Ladies Guild of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church in New London. Following their retirement to Sunny Isles Beach, both she and her husband were active in both St. Mary Magdalen Church and the Avila Condominium Association. Her organizational skills were put to good use as she chaired a number of highly successful white elephant and rummage sale fund raisers for her church. Mrs. Chandler is survived by her daughters Mary Lynne Chase (Robert), Schenectady, NY and Georgia C. Davis (Abbott), Madison, CT, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Siergei X.Powell and Michael D.Bychowsky and by her sister Frances E. Henry. A memorial service will be held later at the family's convenience. Interment will be with her husband in the Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Contributions in Mrs. Chandler's memory may be made to St. Mary Magdalen Church, Sunny Isles Beach, FL or to any local hospice organization or to a charity of one's choice. Florida arrangements are by the Lithgow-Bennett-Philbrick Funeral Home, North Miami with local arrangements through Jones Funeral Home, Schenectady.