Mary Ellen (Bronchella) Riback

Mary Ellen (Bronchella) Riback, 79, of Plainville passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 25, 2025 with her loving husband of 50 years, John W. Riback, Jr., by her side.

Mary Ellen was born on December 19, 1945 in Haverhill, MA to the late George and Dorothy (Bonnell) Bronchella. Mary Ellen moved to Connecticut where she embarked on a fulfilling career and first met her husband. Together, they created a nurturing home in Plainville where they raised their four children and were well-respected within the community. Mary Ellen’s sense of community shone brightly through her active participation at the Plainville Historical Society and at the Congregational Church.

Mary Ellen’s career in the healthcare field began at Dr. Mandell's office, where she discovered her passion for patient care. She proudly spent 29 years in diagnostic imaging at New Britain General Hospital and through hard work and persistent commitment, eventually became the Ultrasound department head, showcasing her mentorship and clinical expertise. In the final ten years of her career, Mary Ellen continued to make a significant impact at Jefferson Radiology, retiring after nearly four decades in the field.

Mary Ellen never let her career keep her from providing a nurturing home for her children and at home is where she and John bonded over their love of cooking. She thrived on intellectual pursuits and was a member of Mensa, the High IQ Society, for decades. Her sharp mind and love for words made her a crossword aficionado, a master at jeopardy and a competitive Scrabble player. (Her children always suspected her of cheating.) A voracious reader, she found joy between the pages of countless books that filled every corner of the house.

Mary Ellen found her greatest happiness by the water; dipping her toes into the ocean or unwinding at the family cabin at Highland Lake in New Hampshire. It was here that she delighted in the simple pleasures of life and would spend hours watching and listening to the loons on the lake.

In reflecting on Mary Ellen's life, we remember her quick wit, her compassion, and her kindness. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband, John W. Riback, Jr., Mary Ellen is survived by her son, Robert (Bob) Riback and his wife, Claire, her daughter, LN. Deshaies and her husband, Marcel, her daughter, Sonia Boutote and her husband, Darrin, and her son, John (Jay) Riback; her grandchildren, Ryan, Jared, Jason, Oscar, Wilhelmina, Natalie, Nina, Emilie, and Elisabeth; and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her grandson, Cody Waite.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville. Words of remembrance led by life celebrant Jesse Gnazzo will be shared at 12:00 PM. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear Mary Ellen's favorite color red. Donations in memory of Mary Ellen may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the Plainville Food Pantry (www.plainvillefoodpantry.org). For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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