Groton — Elaine Ann (Papineau) Murno, 92, passed away May 11, 2024, after a brief illness. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Murno of 63 years; her three children, Linda Murno, Lisa Murno and partner, Kevin Highkin, and Donna M. Charpentier; and son-in-law David Charpentier; and close family friend Karen Frederickson.
She will be sadly missed by sisters-in-law, Florence Papineau and Dolores Murno; brother-in-law, Robert Murno; nephews, Raymond Papineau and his wife Patti, Paul Papineau and his wife Julie, Michael Murno and his wife Angela; and nieces, Maureen Sprano and her husband Jack, Theresa Tardiff and her husband Dave, Debbie Murno and Jeannette Riquier and her husband Douglas. Elaine Murno is predeceased by sisters, Doris Lyons and Jeannette Papineau; brother Emile E. Papineau; mother and father, Lillian and Emile H. Papineau; and nephew William Lyons.
She was a life-time resident of Waterbury, until she and her husband Richard retired to Groton. She worked for Musler-Liebeskind and G. Fox, upscale department stores in Waterbury, and was a devoted stay-at-home mom. She shared custodial care of her mother with her brother Emile for years. Elaine and Richard planted many flowers and bushes at each of their homes, with Elaine designing the landscaping at her final home in Groton through many long hours. She shared her love of swimming in the ocean, picnicking under pine trees on family summer vacations, and childhood remembrances of Hamilton Park in Waterbury. Taking weekend drives to view real estate and watching classic movies were her other two passions. She greatly loved Buddy, the family dog, and all other family pets.
Elaine will be well remembered for her generosity to her many great-nieces and nephews, whom she loved like her own children.
Elaine’s family will greet both friends and family from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New London. Flowers or donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are greatly appreciated.