Mary Ganim Kolesnik

October 30, 2008

Mary Ganim Kolesnik, 43, of Woodbury, died Thursday in Easton, following a courageous battle against ovarian cancer. Mary was born in Bridgeport in 1965, the seventh of eight children. She is survived by a large, close-knit and most loving family; her husband, Robert S. Kolesnik, Jr. and precious daughter, Lindsay Marie Kolesnik; her parents, George W. Ganim, Sr. and Josephine Ganim, her sisters, Roseanne B. Ganim and Laura Khamarji, her brothers, Joseph P. Ganim and his wife, Jennifer; George W. Ganim, Jr. and his wife, Pamela; Raymond W. Ganim, and his wife, Karen; Paul J. Ganim and his wife Corrine, Thomas G. Ganim and his wife, Patricia. In addition to her immediate family, Mary was also dearly loved by her in-laws, Robert, Sr. and Janice Kolesnik and sisters-in-law, Lara, Tanya and Cherie Kolesnik; and her devoted, best friend, Kim Carney. Mary was also a beloved and fun aunt to nineteen nieces and nephews.
Mary received her undergraduate degree from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, and J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Until Lindsay’s birth, she practiced law at the Ganim Law Firm, with her father and brothers, then continued to do transactional work for the firm thereafter. Following Lindsay’s birth, Mary found her true calling as a mother; a calling she so perfectly and lovingly embraced.

At all times in her life, Mary was relentlessly compassionate, thoughtful and empathetic. Mary never spoke a word nor took any action that caused sadness or anguish in another. She was a bright ray of hope for all who knew her, and she was a lightning rod for kindness and love. Mary effortlessly infused these qualities in Lindsay, and they live on in her beloved daughter.

In April, 2006, just eight months after Lindsay’s birth, Mary was diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, and given a grim prognosis. Although she was only known for her kind and gentle ways, she fiercely undertook this battle for her life; and she fought it like a warrior. Through two and a half years of constant chemotherapy, several major surgeries, and often crippling pain, she repeatedly elected the most aggressive treatments. Through it all, Mary’s wonderful qualities were only magnified. She always kept cheerful and positive; and always sought to protect everyone close to her from heartache or worry. This was Mary’s way.

Funeral Information

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2008 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 640 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT. Internment will follow in the Mountain Grove Cemetery, Easton. There will be calling hours at the Church on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Donations Information

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a college education fund for the benefit of her daughter Lindsay.
Please make checks payable to Robert S. Kolesnik Jr. and mail to Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.