Maria Durden Brlej age 69 of Stratford the widow of John M. Brlej, passed away on Monday February 7, 2011 in her home. Maria, a retired contract administrator for Avco-Lycoming, was born in Hostovice, Slovakia to the late John and Eva (Shkumanich) Durden and has been a long time area resident. She was an active member of Presentation of Christ Russian Orthodox Church, Stratford, the Stratford Garden Club, Sterling House Food Pantry and the Stratford Animal Shelter. Survivors include 2 brothers Andrew Durden and his wife Marcella of Trumbull, John Durden of Stratford, a sister Anna Durden and her friend Larry Ruben of Milford, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was pre-deceased by a brother Peter. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday February 9th at 8 a.m. in Presentation of Christ Russian Orthodox Church 5 Wheeler Ter Stratford for a Divine Liturgy followed by the Requiem Funeral Service at 10 a.m. Interment will be in State Veteran's Cemetery Middletown. Panachida service on Tuesday (Today) at 6 p.m. in the church. The Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.