MaryLee Rydzewski

Cheshire – Mary Lee Rydzewski, 81, beloved wife of John Rydzewski for 59 years, passed away peacefully at her home on October 24, 2025. MaryLee was born on April 26, 1944, in New Haven, CT, to the late Richard and Mary (Petroskey) Jones.

MaryLee dearly loved her grandchildren and was so very proud of all their accomplishments. Acquaintances quickly became friends that she kept forever, especially from her childhood, her many years working at Amtrak, and, more recently, her swim club. She loved to swim, whether in her classes at the Cheshire town pool, in her backyard pool, or in the ocean with her family in Ogunquit, ME and Westerly, RI. MaryLee was passionate about music, including singing in the church choir (the Parish Singers), karaoke, and playing the guitar and singing Christmas carols at family holiday gatherings. She helped to start the Cheshire Women’s Softball League and played in it for many years. She was also an avid Red Sox fan and held season tickets for many years. MaryLee was a devout Catholic and supported the Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire.

In addition to her husband, John, MaryLee leaves behind her children, Kristin Rydzewski of Chelmsford, MA, Alison Rydzewski and her partner Charles Holton of Cromwell, CT and David Rydzewski and his wife Erica of Sudbury, MA; her grandchildren, Hunter and Julia Rydzewski; and her siblings, Linda Jones of Salem, MA, Thomas (Charlette) Jones of Hamden, CT, Robert (Karan) Jones of Cambridge, MA and Virginia Jones of Magnolia, MA. She was predeceased by her brother and his wife, Richard and Martha Jones, and her brother-in-law, (Walter) Kim Gilbert.

Arrangements – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire. Friends are asked to meet directly at the church, and there are no calling hours. Committal will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Legionaries of Christ in Cheshire.