Mary Andrews

In Loving Memory of

Mary Catherine Carmicheal Andrews

May 20, 1947 - September 10, 2026

Mary Catherine Carmicheal Andrews was born on May 20, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late James Carmicheal and Oradell Carmicheal. She was one of ten children and was lovingly raised in a God-fearing home where faith, family, and responsibility were deeply valued.

Following the passing of her father, Mary relocated with her mother and family from Cincinnati to Florida, where she spent several formative years. She later made her way to New Haven, Connecticut, where she settled and began a new chapter in her life.

Mary valued education and believed in the importance of continued learning and personal growth. In 1979, she completed her studies at Stone Academy, earning credentials in Executive Secretarial Studies. Her desire to further her education led her to attend evening classes at Wilbur Cross.

In the early 1980s, Mary began working in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at Saint Raphael Hospital. Ambitious and determined to advance professionally, she took advantage of the hospital's internal, on-the-job training programs, which eventually led her into the field of clinical laboratory services.

Mary's professional journey reflected the breadth of her abilities, her determination to succeed, and her unwavering commitment to excellence. As a phlebotomist, she devoted 28 years of service to Saint Raphael Hospital before retiring from its Pathology Department. Throughout her distinguished career, Mary was known for her exceptional dedication and professionalism, ultimately serving as Supervisor of the Outpatient Laboratory Department.

Mary's knowledge and experience also allowed her to give back to others entering the profession. Over the years, she trained and mentored more than 500 students from area schools, including Stone Academy, Wilcox Technical Community College, Branford Hall, and Gateway Community College. Through her instruction and mentorship, she helped prepare countless students for careers in the medical laboratory field.

Mary's compassion extended beyond her professional responsibilities. During the 1990s, she volunteered as a telephone operator for an HIV information hotline, assisting individuals who called seeking information and guidance. Her willingness to serve others reflected the compassion and concern for people that were such meaningful parts of her character.

A Life Devoted to Family and Faith

At the heart of Mary's life was her family. She shared 48 years of marriage with her husband, Joseph Andrews, building a life rooted in love, commitment, and family. Mary was the mother of five children. She is lovingly remembered by her three surviving children: LaVonne and Eduardo Burton of Riverdale, Georgia; Kenneth Bruce of New Haven, Connecticut; and Joseph Andrews of South Carolina. Her daughter-in-law, Lacretia Leary of Texas, also remains a cherished member of the family.

Mary's family continued to grow, and she was blessed with 12 grandchildren: London, Marcus, Tyreese, Amber, Kalyn, Joshua, Morgan, Riley, Wayne, Tanila, Tayvon, and KaJon, as well as nine great-grandchildren.

Mary's faith remained an important foundation throughout her life. She was a member of Saint Matthew Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut, where she lifted her voice in praise as a member of the church choir for several years.

Away from work and her many responsibilities, Mary found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved cooking for those she cared about, working crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite game show, Jeopardy! These familiar joys were part of what made Mary uniquely herself and created many cherished memories for those who loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James Carmicheal and Oradell Carmicheal; her children, Micheal Leary and Denise Leary of Atlanta, Georgia; and her siblings, Charles Carmicheal, Janet Carmicheal, and Cynthia Carmicheal.

She is lovingly remembered by her surviving siblings: James Carmicheal and his wife, Joanie Carmicheal, Mary's beloved bestie, of Virginia; Jackie Carmicheal and his wife, Susan, of New York; Ronald Carmicheal and his wife, Kay, of Texas; Kenneth Carmicheal of Texas; her close and dear sister, Gloria Kelly of Eustis, Florida; and Kimberly Carmicheal of Maryland.

Extended Family and Loved OnesMary will also be lovingly remembered by her extended family, including the Andrews family, the Burton family, the Hobson Mary will also be lovingly remembered by her extended family, including the Andrews family, the Burton family, the family, the Mosley family, Karen Butler and family, Michelle Boyd and her family, and the Wadley family. She shared a Hobson family, Michelle Boyd and her family, and the Wadley family. She shared a special bond with her sweet special bond with her sweet sister-in-law, Josephine Andrews. She held a special place in her heart for her close nieces, Tracy sister-in-law, Josephine Andrews. She held a special place in her heart for her close nieces, Tracy Kelly, Joann Andrews, Kelly, Joann Andrews, Mariam Andrews, and Jerri Andrews, and her close nephew, Mr. Benfort Hendricks.

Mariam Andrews, and Jerri Andrews, and her close nephew, Mr. Benfort Hendricks.

She is also remembered with deep affection by her dear friend, Jene Tucker, whose friendship was a meaningful blessing in Mary's life.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, church members, and many others whose lives she touched.

Special Thanks

The family extends a special and heartfelt thank-you to James and Joanie Carmicheal and Jackie and Susan Carmicheal for their unwavering love and support throughout Mary's illnesses. They never left her side and remained with her until the end. Their presence, care, and devotion were a profound blessing to Mary and the entire family.

The family also extends a special thank-you to Allison Hobson for her love, support, and kindness to Mary and the family.

The family also extends its deepest appreciation to Mary's three devoted nurse caregivers, Jasmine Doughty, Janasha Doughty, and Tamya Thompson, for the compassionate care, kindness, patience, and support they provided. Their dedication and loving attention brought comfort to Mary and peace of mind to her family. Their service and kindness will always be remembered with heartfelt gratitude.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who loved, supported, encouraged, prayed for, and cared for Mary throughout her life. Every visit, telephone call, prayer, act of kindness, and expression of love meant more than words can say.

Mary departed this life on September 10, 2026, leaving behind far more than the accomplishments of a successful career.

She leaves a beautiful legacy of faith, family, perseverance, service, and love. As a devoted daughter and sister, loving wife and mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, trusted friend, mentor, and woman of faith, Mary touched generations of lives.

Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the lessons she taught, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11am at St. Matthew’s Church 400 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT. Viewing in Church from 10am-11am. Burial to follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.