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Norwalk Mourns Olympian's Death

Norwalk is mourning the passing of its only gold medal winner in the Olympics, swimmer Marie Corridon Mortell, who died Wednesday at Norwalk Hospital. She was 80.

Mortell won a gold medal in the 1948 Summer Games in London as a member of the United States' 4 x 100 meter relay team. The team won in record time. Corridon also competed in the 100 freestyle in the 1948 Games, but did not qualify for the finals.

According to an obituary provided by Collins Funeral Home, Marie learned to swim at The Longshore Club in Westport at age five. She won the United States AAU title in the 100 freestyle in 1948, according to the sports website sports-reference.com, and won the event again in 1950.

Marie attended St. Joseph's School in South Norwalk, Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford and Marymount College. She worked for the United States Olympic Committee under former president Avery Brundage, and was later employed as an executive secretary at Walter Reed Army Hospital. She also worked in public relations for Norwalk Hospital. She is included in the Sports in Norwalk Exhibit at Norwalk Museum. 

Corridon was predeceased by her husband, William Edward Mortell. She is survived by seven children, 11 grandchildren and two brothers. Complete funeral details are available here.

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