Mary Ann Gunning

Mary Ann (Grace) Gunning, 84, of Farmington and formerly of New Hartford, passed away comfortably and peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford.

Mary Ann was born on September 2, 1942 in New Britain to the late Robert and Marion (Gaffey) Grace. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain and went on to pursue her nursing degree from St. Francis School of Nursing. She also earned her master’s degree from the UConn School of Business.

Mary Ann served for many years as head nurse in the Emergency Department at the former New Britain General Hospital. After retiring, she continued caring for others by working at Masonicare and other nursing homes throughout the Farmington Valley. Devoted to her profession and Catholic faith, she was also active in the communities she called home, operating a bed-and-breakfast in New Hartford for many years. Above all, Mary Ann cherished her family and her Irish heritage.

She is survived by one son, John R. Gunning and his wife Barbara of Plantsville and four grandchildren; Grace, Maeve, Megan and Donovan. She is also survived by two sisters, Katherine Tullai of Avon and Sheila Grace McKinney and her husband Donald of S. Portland, Maine, nieces and nephews; Elizabeth Bennett (Aaron) and their son Louis, Benjamin McKinney (Meaghan), James McKinney and Matthew Tullai (Karen) and their children, Logan and Summer, and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was predeceased by her brother, Father Robert Grace and brother-in-law, Gerald Tullai.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ann’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/).

A memorial service with a tribute from the CT Nursing Honor Guard will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 4:30 -6 p.m. at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.