Marjorie Durso Given

Marjorie Durso Given, 94, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023. Born in New Haven on July 3, 1928, she lived her entire life in Hamden and was a proud graduate of Hamden High School, attending and enjoying all class reunions and alumni events. After high school, Marge worked at the Southern New England Telephone Company where she formed many cherished and lifelong friendships.
Marge was the wife of the late George F. Given, Jr. and the beloved mother of Lynn (Richard) Gabbard of North Haven, George (Margaret) Given of Southern Pines, NC, and Frank (Lisa) Given of North Haven. A source of enormous pride and joy were her 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Marge was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Margaret (Delgrego) Durso.
Always ready for restaurant dinners, travel opportunities and fun activities with her many dear friends, Marge’s most precious times were family holidays and special celebrations and she often reflected on how much she delighted in the chaos and fun of having her large family all around her.
The last two years of Marge’s life were spent sharing a room with her beloved cousin, Beverly Colrus, at Whispering Pines in East Haven and the comfort and love that this provided both cousins was noted and appreciated by all who spent time with them.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Saint Paul VI Parish), 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden on Friday, July 14th to greet the family and to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hamden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marge’s name to Saint Martin de Porres Academy, 208 Columbus Avenue, New Haven 06519, www.saintmartinacademy.org, or Horizons at Foote, 50 Loomis Place, New Haven 06511, www.horizonsatfoote.org. Beecher and Bennett Funeral Service, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden is in charge of arrangements.