Mary P Ware

GARDNER- Mary P. Ware, 95, formerly of Athol, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 21, 2022, at Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Gardner, MA.  

She was born on October 10, 1927, in Leominster, MA, the daughter of Augusto and Aldina (Saudelli) Palazzi.  She graduated from Leominster High School in 1945 and attended Stevens Business School in Fitchburg for two years. 

Mary met Walter C. Ware during the Big Band era and they both enjoyed ballroom dancing.  On September 30, 1950, they were married at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Leominster and together they shared 53 years of marriage in Athol.  He preceded her in death on February 1, 2004.  

Mary retired from Digital Equipment Corporation in 1991 where she worked for 15 years.  Previous to that, she worked part time at Sears & Roebuck in Athol for 9 years while raising her five children.

Her oldest son William preceded her in death on June 1, 2017, in Central Square, NY. She is survived by her four other children:  son Robert of Orlando, FL; son Richard of Winter Park, FL; daughter Susan and husband Bill of The Woodlands, TX; and son John and wife Pat of Escondido, CA. She has seven grandchildren: Tyler of Liverpool, NY; Jonathan of Bend, OR; Jennifer of Marshfield, MA, Katherine of Pleasanton, CA, Alexandra and Logan of Longwood, FL and Bobby of Austin, TX.  She also leaves 4 great-grandchildren:  Madison and Joey of Marshfield, MA and Maxwell and William of Austin, TX.

Her love of family was her passion and she enjoyed their many special gatherings. Hobbies included vacationing with family and dear friends, visiting flea markets, charity events, and antiquing.  Mary also loved to gamble, play cards and spend time at the casino with her friends.  She loved to cook and take care of her small vegetable garden and flower beds. She was blessed to have her neighbor John as a friend and companion in her later years.

She was a member of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Church in Athol and was also a member of the Friends of COA (Council on Aging) and Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

At her request, Mary will be cremated and buried alongside Walter and William at Silver Lake Cemetery in Athol.  There will be no calling hours.  Any donations should be sent to the Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Fund.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com

Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange is assisting with arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.