Marie Pietrafesa Soliani
December 15, 1940 – August 24, 2023
Marie Pietrafesa Soliani, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, GG, sister, aunt, godmother and friend, passed away at 82 after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at her home with Lisa and Michael by her side. Marie was a vivacious, fiery spirit, with infectious energy and a bold personality. She was always achieving, always aspiring, and always inspiring with her eternal optimism.
Marie was born December 15, 1940, to Daniel A. & Josephine Pietrafesa, the second of four children, and is survived by her siblings Genevieve Pietrefase, Domenic Pietrafesa, and Audrey Feuerstein. Her father was her “rock”, and her mother was a woman ahead of her time. It was her family who taught Marie to live life with fearless enthusiasm.
On a Thursday evening in 1960, while walking in downtown Torrington, Marie, and Enrico G. Soliani crossed paths, a young man she remembered from high school. Rico had just returned home from being stationed in Germany for 2 years as an MP. On November 4, 1961, they were married and then blessed with two children, Lisa Ann in 1962 and Michael Jon in 1964. Marie cared for their children while Rico trained for the Connecticut State Police. While he was taken too soon in 2002, Rico remained the love of her life all her days.
An active member of the Catholic church, she was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Peter’s Church. Marie was passionate and driven in everything that she committed to. She began her career as a medical transcriptionist at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. Over the course of 26 years, she became a Utilization Review Coordinator, a position typically held by a RN which was entrusted to her, given her years of on-the-job experience. While at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Marie was an initial founder of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Association of Medical Transcriptionists, and she was instrumental in establishing the Torrington Chapter of the United Ostomy Association of America. As in the rest of her life, at work she was a woman both revered and feared!
After she retired, she was approached by Stacey Hatfield of Hatfield Jewelers. As a loyal customer and dear friend, she began to work in the field she loved; jewelry! She wore jewelry well and sold it even better. She worked for Stacey from 2002 until he retired and sold the business to her daughter. She stayed on working as the Manager of Hatfield’s for an additional 8 years. Marie had fabulous style and was the Queen of marvelous jewelry!
With a zest for life and new experiences, Marie loved to travel. Her parents bought a second home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She traveled there every year with Rico, Lisa & Michael, and grandchildren from 1972 (when Walt Disney World opened) until March 2021 with two exceptions: when Rico passed, and when Covid hit. It was “Home”. Even with the yearly visits to Florida, Marie was a prolific globetrotter, always hungry for the next adventure. Her love of traveling took her parasailing in Egypt, going on safari in Africa, climbing “THE BRIDGE” in Sydney, Australia, and sleeping in a cave in Turkey. From Hagia Sophia to Ireland, East Coast to West Coast, Marie traveled to six continents and saw much of the world. Her favorite spot was visiting the country of her ancestors, Italy.
Marie was fiercely proud of her hometown. Born and raised in Torrington, Marie selflessly worked, volunteered, and advocated for the city. She was a councilwoman of Torrington for a total of 16 years and served on many boards, passionately fighting for the city and its people. Honored by the Chamber of Commerce as a Community Leader and appointed Italian Mayor of the Day, Marie was well respected and loved by her community. In addition to her years as a city councilwoman, she also ran for State Representative, was a Justice of the Peace who officiated at many weddings and went to the Women’s March in Washington DC in 2017. Marie’s spirited dedication to better the world touched many lives.
Marie’s greatest passion has always been her family. Sunday dinners with family were full of love and good food. She adored her husband, Rico, their two children, Lisa & Michael, and their spouses John and Lisa. She was a cherished grandmother to 5 grandsons: Vincent Daniel McCoy, David Michael Soliani, Harrison Gerard McCoy, Steven Thomas Soliani & Christopher Jon Soliani. “The Boys” affectionately called her Gram, Granny, or Bahma, and were always at her house, sleeping over and “going on adventures!” such as trips to “The City”, flying to Florida (once alone with a 4-year-old!). Everyone enjoyed time spent at the Islander, dinners at The Garlic, and walking the beach. She treasured time with her “angel boys”.
Nothing made her happier than being great-grandmother “GG” to her little blessings: Vincent and his wife Trisha Carr McCoy’s children, Trent Chase and Kalina Eliana; Harrison and his wife Rachel Traub McCoy’s child, Reid Alexander; and David and his wife Jenna Rodger’s child, Isla Sue, whom she met during a trip in January. She was also blessed with 2 additional grandsons, Ian Anthony Croci and Brandon John Croci, and a great granddaughter, Tilly Ann Croci. She remained close to her first son-in-law, Kevin Gerard McCoy, and his partner, Melissa Grant. Marie considered Michael Quadrato her “special son-in-law” and dearly loved him and his husband Sean.
Marie also had a great many friends with whom she was always eager to spend time with enjoying dinners and travel. From her lifelong friends from childhood, “The Girls” at CHH, the Chamber Group, the Vatican Group, the Reunion Group.…and her dear friends “The Hatfield Girls” who she jaunted to NYC multiple times a year going to jewelry shows, “High Tea” at The Pierre, Christmas in New York, and walking through the city, often laughing,” it’s just a few more blocks!”
Marie treasured her family, friends, and the town of Torrington. She was an incredible, vibrant woman who was a will be missed by all who knew her.
Calling hours will be held at Cook Funeral Home, Wednesday, September 6th from 4pm to 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Maron’s Church at 10am on Thursday, September 7th with the Rosary at 9:30am. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Burial will be private. Immediately following the mass, all are invited to meet in the church hall for a luncheon. In lieu of flowers please honor Marie’s request for donations to be made to St. Maron’s Church, the Warner Theatre, or the charity of your choice.