Mary Cantino Bauchmann

MERIDEN - Mary Cantino Bauchmann, a longtime resident of Meriden, died suddenly at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on April 20, 2002. She was the wife of the late Harold J. Bauchmann and suffered a heart attack at the age of 87. Born in Manchester on Feb. 10, 1915, she was the eldest of five daughters of Angela and Peter Cantino. The family moved to Meriden and she attended Meriden High School. During the Depression, she was at times the sole supporter of the family, and was well known for her responsible work ethic. In 1940 she married Harold Bauchmann, a young police officer at the time, whom she met at neighborhood gatherings, and they spent 58 years together as husband and wife. In their later years, they lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL, while maintaining their home in Meriden, until moving permanently to Florida in 1998. Mrs. Bauchmann was a leader of the Girl Scouts in Meriden and participated in the PTA and numerous school events for both her children. She spent may years, after her husband retired from the Meriden Police Department, as a highly recognized salesperson at G. Fox and then Filenes. She received many commendations based on customers' praise, and was frequently honored at store functions. She attended St. Rose Church while she lived in Meriden; in Ft. Lauderdale she was a member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church. In recent years she traveled extensively, often with her daughters. Attending an audience with the Pope in Rome was one of her best memories. Less formal events, sometimes resulting in humorous and surprising adventures, delighted her as well. She is survived by her two daughters, Loraine Bauchmann of Harrison, New York and Nancy Brink of Falmouth, Massachusetts and by two sisters, Eunice Garetto of Roseville, California and Norma Ceraolo of Cliffside Park, New Jersey. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, May 18, 2002, at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center St., Meriden. Following the mass, she will be buried next to her late husband in Gethsemane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Mary Bauchmann's name to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Beecher and Bennett Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden.