06/20/2026
M.E.L.T. family,
Let me just first say that It has taken a few days to process this tragic news and collect our own thoughts. It is devastating that we have to announce the passing of our beloved Coach Mary.
Mary was beautiful inside and out. She was a living embodiment of one of our core values, “be a daymaker.” No matter what kind of day you were having, Mary had the ability to turn your day around with her smile and her infectious personality. She was optimistic, upbeat, encouraging, and radiated positivity and light. Mary had a natural way of making everyone she met feel like they were instantly part of her family. You walked away from her feeling like you mattered, that she truly cared, and that you had a friend for life. She loved celebrating everyone’s wins & gains on and off of the workout floor. No accomplishment was too small, and she made sure to celebrate your achievements in her shout outs at the end of each class. She had way of making everyone feel seen, even if it was your first workout or 100th.
She was a wonderful teammate, a talented artist, the first to volunteer and participate in themed events….and she always went all out! She loved to organize outings for the M.E.L.T. Squad, book club, 5k races, Johnny Appleseed, kayaking, amongst many more fun adventures. She was truly happy when surrounded by her M.E.L.T. family. She brought something to our M.E.L.T. floor that I know all of us, myself included, will never be able to replicate. We were so lucky to have her in our lives, even if it wasn’t for long enough. We will never forget her or her lively spirit and what she brought to our M.E.L.T. community. ❤️
Mary Kathleen (Karr) Ransom, age 56, of West Hartland, CT, passed away unexpectedly in her home on June 16, 2026. She is survived by her husband; Jason Ransom, her three children; Ashley Karr, Steven Karr, and Jessie Ransom, her parents; Jessie Karr and Allan Karr, and her siblings; Robert and Melissa Karr, and Alex and Renee Karr, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was an unbelievably incredible daughter, wife, mother, and friend. She was a prolific artist and extremely creative. Whether it was making a milk carton costume for girl scouts, creating a Nickelodeon slime themed birthday party for her children, or devising art projects for the South Windsor senior center attendants, no project was too big for her. She took all challenges head on, and loved fiercely.
She was known for her gorgeous smile that could light up a room. Her fun hair, which she was always changing. She was also known for her compassionate spirit, her kindness, and her non-judegmental attitude. She did so much in her life.
She was a CCD teacher at St Joseph's, spreading her pure love for Jesus’s teachings with the youth. She was a girl scout leader for both her oldest and youngest daughter’s troops, enriching the lives of so many young girls and empowering them to go through life with confidence and kindness. She was a graphic designer at TonSha and used her limitless creativity to create phenomenal ads and projects. She had been a personal trainer at the MELT gym, and worked to uplift and motivate her clients to push themselves and get strong.
She illustrated three beautiful children’s books, utilizing her artistic skills to convey important social lessons to children. Mary led yoga classes, incorporating scents and sounds to create a tranquil environment for her students. She was an incredible freelance illustrator and creator of all types of art, using colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, yarn, watercolors, oil paints, acrylics, and digital mediums to create beautiful artwork.
Mary was also an ingenious party planner: every party she threw for her children was themed and thoroughly decorated.
She worked at the Riverton General Store, and made close bonds with her coworkers and some of the customers there, using her artistic prowess to redesign signage. Mary led art classes at the South Windsor senior center, enabling the seniors to have fun and explore their creativity. She always practised all of her art projects with her parents, ensuring she was confident to lead the classes.
She was recently employed as a paraprofessional through CREC, and she loved working with her students. She made such a positive impact on their lives.
She also loved working in her numerous gardens, reading, working on puzzles, completing art projects, watching The Great British Bake-off with her husband, and spending time with her children. Mary led an incredibly full, creative, and loving life.
Friends may call on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 5 - 7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at St. Joseph Church, Winsted at 10 AM. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.
