Mary Veronica DiCrescenzo, 65, of Newtown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. “Vetty,” as she was affectionately known, was surrounded by her loving family as she joined her father, Peter DiCrescenzo, and brother Camillo DiCrescenzo, in eternal rest. Her absence has left an immeasurable hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Born on February 2, 1956, in Pretoro, Italy, Vetty immigrated to America with her family at the age of six months old. She was a conscientious child with a strong work ethic, a thirst for knowledge, and a sincere desire to stand up for what’s right. At the same time, she possessed a keen wit, fierce sense of loyalty, and thoughtful demeanor. Vetty attended New Canaan public schools and graduated from Berkeley Secretarial School as a legal secretary.

Having thoroughly enjoyed her experience in the field of law, she felt inspired to further her education with the intent of becoming an attorney herself. She attended Marymount College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree before moving on to Georgetown Law School. After graduating with a Juris Doctor degree, she was quickly offered a position with the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, DC, where she spent 25 years as a land use and regulatory attorney. Throughout her remarkable career, she was a dedicated legal advocate and admired friend and mentor to her peers. Amongst her colleagues, she was known for her well-honed instincts, ethical nature, and profound wisdom. At retirement, Vetty held the title of Senior Vice President.

In her leisure time, Vetty enjoyed reading, photography, playing the organ, and traveling. But most of all, she deeply enjoyed spending time with her family. Whether it was playing board games and cards or embarking on family cruises, she brought love and joy to everyone around her. The church was also very important to Vetty. After retirement, she served as a religious education instructor at Saint Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in New Canaan and at Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown.

Vetty leaves behind her mother, Mary DiCrescenzo, of Newtown; her brother Angelo DiCrescenzo and his wife, Mary Joyce, of Brookfield; her sister, Josephine Hansen, and her husband, Richard, of Bethel; her brother Rocco DiCrescenzo and his wife, Cheryl, of Brookfield; and many nieces and nephews within the surrounding area.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday, March 1, at St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, in Newtown. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan immediately following the service. There will be no calling hours.

Funeral arrangements are in care of Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.