Following is the obituary for MARY LEE ROTELLA, submitted for her family by the Harding Funeral Home.

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Mary Lee Rotella passed away on May 29, 2024, with her family by her side and the ocean breeze on her face. 

Mary Lee was born on Feb. 27, 1951, in Norwalk to Frank and Majorie Denke. 

As a true Saugatuck girl, she resided in Westport for the majority of her life and graduated from Staples High School. 

She met the love of her life, Angelo Rotella, through close friends. In their 53 years of marriage, they had three children. While raising three kids, Mary Lee showed her innate ability to care for everyone by taking care of her parents and mother-in-law. Despite a busy schedule of caring for others, Mary Lee always had time to cook a delicious meal and there was always an extra plate available for anyone who stopped by. 

Throughout her life, Mary Lee worked as a CNA at a convalescent home and in the cafeteria at Coleytown Elementary School. She showed true compassion and devotion to the people she worked with. Mary Lee ensured everyone was treated with the highest quality of care and respect. 

In her spare time, she loved to fish and garden. Mary Lee was adamant about cutting her own grass and weed-whacking, and was still found doing her own lawn care shortly before her passing. She liked to keep her home immaculately clean and comfortable. Her husband would often come home from work and find her wallpapering the house or hanging new curtains in the middle of the night. A phenomenal baker, Mary Lee loved making fresh bread and various desserts. Through her passion of baking, she loved to bring people together to share delicious treats. 

Mary Lee was always full of energy and loved to dance or run around with the kids. Those closest to her have been graced with the memories of her signature dance move. Mary Lee always hosted holidays and parties over the years. Everyone always felt comfortable (and well fed) in her home. Mary Lee’s absolute favorite thing to do was to bring people together and make others happy and feel cared for. We can only aspire to have a fraction of her energy, strength and love for others. Mary Lee is a true angel. 

Mary Lee is survived by her children, Dawn, Angelo Jr. (Natasha) and Lisa (Christian); her five grandchildren, Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and two siblings, Frank Denke Jr. and Pamela Fortner. 

Mary Lee’s memory will be lived on by many extended family members and close friends. As a longtime animal lover, Mary Lee will also be survived by her tortoise, Boris. Mary Lee was a unique individual, who was always full of strength and life. She touched many lives, even in brief encounters with people she recently met, and she will be incredibly missed.

Mary Lee recently lost her husband, Angelo Rotella Sr., and will find peace in being reunited once again. Mary Lee is also predeceased by three brothers, John Denke, Merritt (Bobby) Denke and Donald Denke. 

Calling hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Road East, on Thursday, June 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. Mass will be held Friday, June 7, at 11 a.m., at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Ave.