W. SIMSBURY, CT-Mary E. (Moody) Tesell, 89, formerly of Worcester, died Monday, April 17th in Hartford Hospital. She resided with her daughter Gail Golem Mason and her son-in-law Clifton Mason in West Simsbury for the last two years. In addition to her daughter, she leaves her husband Lawrence Tesell of St. Petersburg, FL; a son Jack Tesell of Torrington, CT, 2 grandchildren; Mark Tesell of Worcester and Heather (Mason) DeRose and her husband Mark of Bristol, CT.
Mary was born in Worcester the daughter of Edwin E. and Aurilla M. (Whelpley) Moody. Mrs. Tesell graduated from South High School in 1935 and attended Becker Junior College. An accomplished musician she played violin with the former Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Walter Howe. She toured extensively with a 15 piece all-girl dance band and later played drums with a trio performing in many area clubs. Mrs. Tesell also was an owner of the former Avalon Club in South Grafton. She was a member of the International Federation of Musicians Local 143, and a member of Bethany United Christian Parish.
The funeral is Saturday, April 22nd with a service at 10:30 AM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. A visitation period will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.