Mary (Gallimore) Greel, 86

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NATICK – Mary L. (Gallimore) Greel, 86, of Natick, wife and best friend of the late Edward F. Greel, died on Thursday, December 9, 2021, succumbing to injuries sustained from a car accident. Mary is survived by her daughter Michelle M. Harter and “best son-in-law” ever Chuck J. Harter of Harrisville Rhode Island, and her son Mark A. Greel and his loving wife Alecia Serafini of Pembroke Massachusetts. She fiercely loved her grandchildren- Kelly Lechman and her husband Jeffrey Lechman, Robert Greel and his partner Laura Feddersen, Kevin McCaffery and his wife Liz McCaffery, Nina Greel, Clio Serafini and Sabine Serafini. Her greatest light was her great grandchildren – Mason Lechman-Satti, Jacob McCaffery, and Olivia McCaffery.

Born on September 4, 1935 in Framingham to the late Blanche (Lane) and Fred Gallimore. She was predeceased by her two sisters June Yanosick and Anna Gene Sannicandro.

She is survived by her brother Jack H. Gallimore EMCM (SS) USN Retired and his wife Alice of Ledyard CT. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews that loved her smile, sense of humor, and her tenacity. 

Mary met her best friend Ed in 1954 and they quickly married and started their family. After living above a bar with a flashing neon sign, they moved to Framingham to the residence of Terziano and Anita Riva.

After forming a strong family relationship with the Riva’s, they bought their one and only home in Natick, “the greatest town in America”.

Over the years she was employed by the Beacon Terrace Restaurant and the Natick Trust Company. Her greatest professional achievement was to be employed by the accounting office of the Town of Natick for over 40 years where she formed many lifelong friendships. 

After both her and Ed retired, they became snowbirds and ventured to their beloved Sanibel Island where they met their dearest friend Dr. Arthur Gross. After Ed’s death, she continued to vacation in Sanibel with her daughter and “adopted” daughter Cynthia Yancey who she loved dearly. She took up baking as her favorite activity, supplying the entire town of Natick with chocolate covered pretzels, cookies, zucchini and banana bread, and other delicious baked goods. She worked hard to lovingly maintain the home that her and Ed built for all her family and friends to enjoy, including the Babsons and Ciampas and their lovely children who raked many leaves and laid a lot of mulch. 

In Mary’s parting words to her children and grandchildren, “if I should go before you, a part of me remains with you. You will not see me, but I will be walking beside you always. You will not touch me but I will live in your heart and memory always. Have faith that we will walk hand in hand one day. Until then, live your life, for life is good, and know that I am with you always. Love each other. I will miss you.” 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Visiting Hours in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street in Natick on Tuesday December 14, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Service on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Funeral Home. 

Burial will be private.

Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston MA 02115.