Mary Ludovico Kotulski passed peacefully on Monday, February 6th 2023 at home. Born in New Haven on November 25th, 1953 to the late Mary Docknevich and Peter Ludovico. Beginning her musical journey, Mary, like her mom, began piano lessons at the age of 4 and was accepted into the Ester Reed Faile music studio in Hamden. Recognizing her budding musical talents, the Reverend Dignam of St. Therese in North Haven plucked her out of a tomato patch at her family farm on Half Mile Rd. This began her music journey with the church for 49 years. During this time, Mary led innumerable church choirs, children’s choirs, and folk groups at St. Therese, St. Francis Cabrini, and Our Lady of Pompeii. Renown for her ability to sing like an angel and play like a poet, Mary led and wrote the music for each choir which enabled them to sing to the best of their abilities. Her choirs became legendary as Mary dearly loved each and every member as if they were her family. Graduating from North Haven High School, received the music department award. Accepted into the Hart School of Music, Mary eventually transferred to WCSU where earned a BA in Music Education. She earned her master’s degree from CCSU. Mary then went on to teach music at Notre Dame Academy in Waterbury, Durham-Middlefield Middle School, and St. Vincent dePaul in East Haven. There she brought her love for teaching students and music to a culmination. Fulfilling a dream at her mother’s passing, Mary opened the Ludovico Music Studio to pass on her skills and love of music in a program of studies, composition, and performance. She taught with great joy until 2012. Mary, like her mother and sister Barbara, also had a deep abiding love of flowers; especially gladiolas, sunflowers, dahlias, white orchids, gerbera daisies, and roses, which always graced her home. Her love of Cape Cod began with Father Walter Murtaugh, physics chairman at Providence College, who shared his time and life philosophy with Mary throughout their friendship until his untimely passing. She forever looked forward to her summer vacations exploring the seashores of Dennisport and Eastham with Tom. Mary is survived by husband Tom, sister Barbara Hussong, brother-in-law David, nieces Bree, Melissa, and Michelle, nephew David, sister-in-law Pamela, and predeceased by brother John Ludovico. Mary will be truly missed by all her family and her forever friends: LauraJean, Lynn, Kathy, Sue, Rhada, Ravi, Chandra, and Helen (Biggy). Mary always opened her heart to everyone as she led her life with the ideal of treating them with kindness, a willingness to devoutly listen, and to be treated with how she wanted to be treated, with love. She will be missed by all until the 12th of never.
The visiting hours are Friday, February 10th from 4 to 7pm at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. The funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home Saturday morning at 9:30am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Theresa’s Church, 555 Middletown Avenue at 10:00am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.
Mary sang at our wedding, almost 42 years ago.
At the end of the Mass, there was a line of people going up to the balcony just to tell her how much they enjoyed the music and her truly angelic voice. It was magical.
Deepest condolences to her husband Tom, and to her family.
Lois and Phil Baldini
Tom, Barbara and David,
Mary was a good and kind spirit who’s music elevated folks’ experience of life to higher plane of awareness, wonder and awe. May she rest in eternal peace, enjoying her reunion with her family who have gone before her, and now joining with the heavenly choir of angels in endless song.
Mary brought joy to every life she touched. Such a talented beautiful lady with a voice that would make angels cry. God bless her. My heart goes out to Tom, just know you’re in my prayers.
With Love,
Gina Fiore and family
Mary was a great friend: spirited, witty, kind, loving, empathetic. Like family, we
enjoyed the company of Tom and Mary on many holidays and celebrations. We
loved her and will miss her greatly, already do.
Our hearts go out in sympathy to Tom and all Barbara’s
family. Deepest condolences.
With love,
Sue and Radha
Bob and I are so very sorry for your loss. We would have loved to have known her.
Love to you all. May Mary rest in peace
Mary was our vocalist when we got married 35 years ago. She was a kind and sweet woman with an angelic voice. Please accept my deepest sympathy for her loss. God bless.