SOUTHWICK – Mary E. Ripley, 92, passed away on October 13, 2018. Born on August 30, 1926 in Lynn, MA, she was the daughter of late John and Anna Belle (Litch) Henry. On July 5, 1945 in Baltimore, MD, she married the late George A. Ripley, who passed away in 2006. They were married for over 60 years.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her son John H. Ripley, who passed away in 2009 and her sister Louise Deveau in 2012. Mary leaves her daughter Donna R. Rotondo; grandson Lyle A. Rotondo, his dad Anthony A. Rotondo and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves “Special People” Brandie and Bernie and Spencer and Griffin Smith.
Mary grew up in Marblehead, MA and settled in Southwick in her late 20’s with her husband George after spending a few years in Chicago. She had worked as a waitress for many years at the Brass Rail in Southwick, Shaker Farms Country Club in Westfield and Jaycox in Springfield. She later retired from Digital Equipment Corporation in Enfield, CT. She was fascinated by computers and the ability to locate and communicate with people all over the world and to be able to create her own greeting cards from photos. She enjoyed arts and crafts and making her own gifts. She loved living on Lake Congamond, entertaining her friends, driving her boat and just relaxing taking in the view from her deck.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, October 21, 2018 from 2-4 PM at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 9:30 AM at the funeral home followed by committal services at 11 AM at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, and donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Puppies Behind Bars, 263 West 38th St., New York, NY 10018 (Service dogs for Veterans) (Please specify “In memory of Mary Ripley”). For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com