Mary Brolin, 81, retired teacher

Mary E. Brolin of Ridgefield, a former teacher and medical secretary, died on Tuesday morning, Nov. 9, 2004, at Hancock Hall, Danbury. She was 81 years old and the widow of Edward M. Brolin, a longtime Ridgefield school administrator, who died in 2002.

Mrs. Brolin was born in Cambridge, Mass., daughter of James L. and Teresa Kearney Donovan. She attended Cambridge schools and graduated from Salem State Teacher’s College of Salem, Mass.

Mrs. Brolin was a retired elementary school educator.

A resident of Ridgefield for the past 42 years coming from Massachusetts, she was involved in her early years with the Cub Scout program of Ridgefield and was a medical secretary in the former practice of Dr. Arnold Benton.

In later years, Mrs. Brolin enjoyed traveling, collecting sports memorabilia and attending memorabilia shows throughout the United States.

Mrs. Brolin was a member of St. Mary's Church, Ridgefield.

She is survived by three sons, Colonel Edward M. Brolin, USAF (ret.) of Niceville, Fla., James M. Brolin and William E. Brolin, both of Ridgefield; a brother, James Donovan of Chesterfield, Mo.; a sister, Teresa Tansey of Brewster, Mass.; a granddaughter, Ashley Ann; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 in St. Mary’s Church.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, on Saturday from 9 to 10.

Contributions in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Chapter, 96 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106 would be appreciated.