Marie Arico Obituary

Marie Ann Arico (Leonard), 66, of Ledyard, CT, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family while listening to her favorite music. That music she could talk about all day long. Bob Seger, Boy George, and oh, Rod Stewart. A few years ago, she checked off a bucket list item to attend a concert of his with her son for which he clearly penned the song "Forever Young." Play lists and mix tapes came and went and represented the soundtrack of each era of her life, and if it was especially good, she would literally play it until it fell apart in the cassette player in her car. Music was memories; music was love. And she was full of all of that. Marie was born in New London, CT on May 7, 1958. She grew up in Groton and attended Fitch Senior High School where she would meet some of her lifelong best friends. Lifelong was exactly that – these friends were present through all the ups and downs of life. Her two sons were the loves of her life. She would do and did anything she could for them. She saved every piece of scribbled school art in an overstuffed attic for years. She went to every event. That "mom" role extended to everyone in her life – she always wanted to take care of others and wanted things to be perfect for them. She checked in on everyone and didn't miss an occasion, mailing cards to friends and family celebrating milestones and holidays year-round. When she learned she was to be a Nana, she was overjoyed and doted on her grandchildren at every opportunity. "Nana loves you!" was an understatement, and she will be loved and missed by all who were fortunate to know her. To know her was to know kindness, selflessness, sacrifice, service, love. She is survived by her sons, Charles (CJ) Rassbach Jr. and Thomas Arico Jr. as well as her daughter-in-law Laurie Rassbach and grandchildren Kennedy and Landon Rassbach. She is also survived by her sisters, Rae Giesing and Robin Oddo, who was a godsend in her later years to help care for her, and her brother Raymond Simpson. She is predeceased by her parents, Raymond Leonard and Beverly Simpson (Muder), her "baby brother," Glen Simpson, and her husband, Thomas Arico Sr. A celebration of life will take place at Harkness Memorial Park over the summer and her family and friends will gather to share stories, laugh, and listen to music – all her favorite things. "May the good Lord be with you Down every road you roam And may sunshine and happiness Surround you when you're far from home" - Rod Stewart, "Forever Young" To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie Ann (Leonard) Arico, please visit our floral store.