HILLSBOROUGH, NH. On December 6, 2023, Mary Irene Rubega (née Kalinowski), 67, peacefully passed away in the hospital after a short and unexpected illness while visiting with family in Florida. Mary was surrounded by her husband of forty-four years and beloved siblings.
Just before her passing, Mary’s loved ones prayed the Rosary at her bedside, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet. At 3 PM, Mary, a devout Roman Catholic, peacefully transitioned to the next life.
Mary is survived by her husband, Alfred J. Rubega. She has been the center of his life, his constant positive influence, and profound inspiration. Born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Josephine J (Popowicz) and Andrew A Kalinowski, she was predeceased by her brother William P, her nieces Jordan Siborg, and Jennifer Kalinowski, and her grandnephew, Isaiah Rubega. She leaves three brothers: Andrew of Pittsford NY, Joseph C of Auburn, and Thomas E of Shrewsbury, and one sister, Joan H Hauge of North Oxford, along with many cousins, in-laws, 36 nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.
Just before retiring four years ago, Mary served for 27 years as the Director of Technology at SAU 53 in Pembroke, NH. Mary began her career as a high school Science teacher in South Boston, Franklin NH, and at Fall Mountain Regional High School in Langdon, NH. She was especially proud of introducing students to the concept of a science fair to challenge their creativity. While working full time at Fall Mountain, Mary earned her master’s degree in computer science at Keene State College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. After earning her Masters, she worked for the Sheehan, Phinney, Bass and Green Law Firm in Manchester NH, before joining SAU 53.
Mary possessed a brilliant intellect, an exceptional work ethic, as displayed in the building of her and her brothers' homes, a wonderful sense of humor, and a natural ability to charm others without even trying. She was a natural-born athlete, having been a star basketball player at St. Mary’s High School in Worcester, MA and St. John Fisher College in Rochester NY. Mary was deeply devoted to, and profoundly loved by, her husband, her siblings, and those of her husband, as well as her nieces and nephews upon whom she had a tremendous influence. Mary’s greatest delight in life has always been events involving her large and loving extended family. She especially enjoyed hosting gatherings at the “camp” and Pow Wows. She enjoyed vacationing and traveling with her family. Her joy in that regard will continue now as she is reunited with loved ones who passed to the next life before her and as she welcomes those who will follow after her.
Calling hours will be on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., Worcester, MA. Her funeral will be held with a Mass at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St., Worcester, MA, followed by burial in Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster St., Worcester, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, may be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St., Worcester, MA 01610. www.worcesterfuneral.com.