Mary (Fossa) Greenlaw

mary greenlaw
DANVERS- Mary M. (Fossa) Greenlaw, 101, peacefully passed in her home on March 13, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late Keith E. Greenlaw, Sr. She was born October 5, 1916, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, to Dominick and Nina (Hodgdon) Fossa. Mary lived her life in Danvers after moving from Maine when she was a child. She worked at the former Murphy’s Fruit Mart for over fifty years. Jim Murphy purchased the fruit store from Mary’s father, Dominick, and the family jokingly stated that, “Mary came with the store”. Mary loved holidays and especially loved Christmastime. Mary was “Mrs. Claus” during the annual Downtown Holiday Festival in Danvers for many years. She also enjoyed the Sound of Music, which included one of her favorite songs, “Climb Every Mountain”. Mary was a communicant of Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; the kind written about in fairytales. She is survived by her sister, Marjorie Early of FL, a daughter-in-law, Gisela Greenlaw of South Hamilton, three granddaughters, Amber Luz and her husband Dave of Peabody, Colleen Cohan and Mike Roberts of Byfield and Laurie Saviano and David Gallugi of Wilmington, her great-grandchildren, Victor Saviano and his wife, Cari of Wakefield and Courtney Cohan of Byfield. Mary is also survived by Connie Lydon and her husband, Tom of FL, Brian D’Apice and family of Beverly and Monika Perkins and her family of Danvers. She was predeceased by her siblings, Arthur and James Fossa and Emma Collins, her son, Keith E. Greenlaw, Jr. and her great-granddaughter, Christina Saviano. Her Funeral Mass will be held at 9AM on Monday, March 19, 2018 in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 3-6PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mary’s name to North Shore Elder Services, 300 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA, 01923 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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  1. Every time I go into “Murphys“ for a sandwich, I think of Mary. As far as I can remember, I met her nearly 60 years ago when I worked at the market for Jim Murphy who was then our neighbor on Collins Street. Through the years it was always a delight to see Mary and to feel her smile and kindness, and I have always missed seeing her, and will continue to do so. Special sympathies to Ellen Lefavor (Gillis),My junior high school classmate, who was Mary’s hospice companion and special friend.

  2. To Family of Mary, Always enjoyed our luncheons at Chucks and seeing you at Fantastic Sams while Tiffany Did your hair! These are great memories!!! RIP Mary! DOLLY OHANASIAN

  3. I wish my son, James Arthur (7), had known Aunt Mary. I always loved seeing her when we would visit Grandma and Grandpa in Danvers. This loss really hit me hard as it feels like the end of an era. She gave the best hugs and made me feel so loved. I wish we could have been there with you all. Sending love and hugs to everyone. Kate Fossa (Katherine Ann)


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