Mary Delores (Vaverchak) Fillo

“She lived life on her own terms. Her independence was not just a trait, but a lifestyle and her heart, her greatest asset.”

Mary Delores (Vaverchak) Fillo, 97, of Plainville, Ct., finally gave in and moved on to heaven on June 16, passing peacefully on her own, well-known terms.
Born in 1929 in Dunmore, Pa., she was the widow of the late John “Jack” Fillo and daughter of the late Simon and Elizabeth (Homnick) Vaverchak. She, just a baby, and her three young siblings were raised by their suddenly widowed father, and that Pennsylvania childhood instilled in her independence, tenacity and fierce love and appreciation of family. 
Employed for decades by the former Southern New England Telephone Company in New Britain, she was a working mom, long before it became part of the mainstream culture. She juggled work, making a home, motherhood and marriage, but always made time to embrace the blessings she treasured most in her life, her family. Her biggest smiles came in her later years, when she was surrounded by a roomful of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She would sit back and comment, “And to think it started with just me and Jack.” 
A 1946 graduate of New Britain High School, she and Jack worked hard and eventually played harder, both retiring in their 50s and relishing the opportunity to travel, enjoy their grandchildren, their home and each other. Weekly card games, dinner with friends at the former Silo, Mo-no-pole or Angelico’s, impromptu get-togethers and seasonal picnics added even more joy to her life. 
A member of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville, she was active in a host of activities including the Plainville Senior Center, the Pioneer Club, Plainville’s VFW Post Auxiliary, working at polls during election seasons, and helping with family political campaigns. She loved bingo at the VFW and jaunts down to Mohegan Sun where the slot machines were usually pretty kind to her. An accomplished cook, jitterbug dancer and gardener, her independence blossomed even more when she was widowed. At 71, she decided it was time to get her driver’s license, insisted she was keeping her house, and set about showing everyone that she could do it. And she did. 
She leaves a daughter, MaryEllen Fillo Wazorko, a son, Joseph F. Fillo (Mary Ellen), five grandchildren, Christopher Wazorko (Raegan), Tabitha Manafort (Justin), Quinn Christopher, Katherine Fillo (Brian Gowdy) and Joseph F. Fillo II (Allison.)
She also leaves 10 great grandchildren, Olivia, Lillian, Samantha, Justin Jr., Amelia, Tommi, Michael, Joseph, Sarah and Caroline, many nieces and nephews and some very treasured friends. Besides her husband, she was pre-deceased by her granddaughter, Samantha Paige, her son-in-law, Thomas Wazorko and her siblings, Cyril Vaverchak, Matthew Vaverchak and Elizabeth Ondrick. 
The family would like to think, that along with her dear friends The Medons, that the “Pennsylvania gang” are together again, all listening to Glenn Miller, sipping daiquiris or Canadian Club, and “not inhaling” those Lucky Strikes. 
But most importantly, we hope that her dying wish was granted and she finally got to meet her mom.  
Her independence was her armor; her family was her masterpiece. 
The funeral will be held Saturday, June 20, beginning with a Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church Plainville, followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice. And do take the time to give an extra hug to someone you love. 
Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville, is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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