Mary Patricia O’Connell Tomasi Educator, artist, beloved mother and grandmother, Mary (“Pete”) Tomasi passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, August 9th. She died surrounded by her loving family in her daughter’s home in New Canaan CT. Pete spent her childhood in Westport, Ct and moved to Underhill Center,VT with her family at age 12. She attended Mount St. Mary’s and ultimately graduated with a BA from the Pratt Institute of Art in New York. After a stimulating career in New York’s commercial art industry, Mary returned to Vermont to get her degree in education, and there she met her husband, John Tomasi. Her husband, being no fool, successfully proposed to her on their third date. They were married at St. Thomas Church in Underhill in February 1959. After her husband’s early death, Pete returned to her family home in Underhill Center with her four children. Embarking on a second career, Pete taught art at the Essex Middle School for many years, where she delighted in passing along her passion and knowledge about art. After her retirement, Mary volunteered at Meals on Wheels, Hospice and the Mary Bryant Art Gallery. She actively pursued her interests as a watercolorist and student of art with her beloved Monet Mamas art group. She was intensely supportive of her four children on their journey’s through life, and she delighted in her grandchildren. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Thomas Church throughout her life. Mary is survived by her sister, Paula O’Connell of Albuquerque, and her four children, Lisa Tomasi-Carr, John Tomasi, Martha Lane and Anne Kraft, and seven grandchildren: Ramsey and Antonia Tomasi-Carr; Peter and Lydia Tomasi; Jack, Julia and Winston Lane. A service for Mary will be held at St. Thomas Church in Underhill Center, VT on Friday, August 24th at 11.00AM. A reception will follow at the family home at 79 Pleasant Valley Road in Underhill. All are welcome. For online condolences , visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com