Mary Ann (Cull) Delay

Mary Ann Delay, 82, of Harwinton, CT, passed peacefully on June 22, 2026, with her family by her side. True to form, she left this world surrounded by the people she loved most, in a room full of laughter, cementing her status until the very end as the life of the party.

Mary Ann was born on July 20, 1943, in Springfield, VT. She married the love of her life, John Delay, in 1962, and they shared 64 beautiful years of dancing, traveling, and laughing through life together.

While she wore many titles, her greatest joys in life were "her girls." She poured endless love into her daughter Lori Gozemba, granddaughter Jackie Teixeira, and great-granddaughters Ella and Fiona Teixeira. She was also immensely proud of her grandson-in-law, Armando Teixeira, who held a special place in her heart.

Mary Ann was a proud waitress for most of her life. A professional talker who never met a stranger, she truly loved her customers and could light up any room with her quick wit and infectious energy. Laughter simply followed her wherever she went. When she wasn't working, she enjoyed a glass of wine or two, a trip to the casino, or a competitive game of bingo. No one knew how to host, toast, or have a good time quite like Mary Ann.

She is survived by her three younger brothers, Curtis Cull, Brian Cull and his wife Nikki, and Richard Cull and his wife Linda; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her sister-in-law and best friend, the other Mary Anne Delay. She was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Mary Cull, and her son-in-law Jeffrey, who was undoubtedly waiting for her on the other side with a cold Heineken and a salt shaker ready to go.

The family asks that instead of mourning her departure, you remember the joy she brought into your lives. Pull up a chair, share a favorite story, and raise a glass of your favorite wine or beer in her honor—because that is exactly how Mary Ann would want the party to continue.

The family will receive relatives and friends Friday, July 3rd from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Phalen Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 5:00 PM. www.phalenfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ann (Cull) Delay, please visit our floral store.