Mary Lavelle

Mary Lavelle died on Monday, June 3rd at Greenwich Hospital (CT) after a fall at her home. She was the last surviving member of seven children born to Mary and Thomas Finnerty in Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland. At the age of fourteen she left Ireland to join her siblings working in England, first in Oxford and then in London. Mary married John Lavelle in London in 1947 and they emigrated to the United States in 1957. Mary and John enthusiastically embraced American life and the opportunities it provided them and their family. They were generous hosts with a special devotion to wonderful St. Patrick’s Day parties wherever they lived. Mary’s attention took in all details even in her advanced age and her mind remained active and her advice sharp. Even at 102 she could recall lyrics of many Irish songs of her youth. She loved films of the 1940s and 1950s. Mary would share her delight in the foibles of contemporary life with all. She was faithful to Jeopardy, opera and her prayers. Perhaps more significantly, Mary loved a good, hot cup of tea to which, if asked, she would attribute her longevity.

Mary and her family lived in Astoria and Bayside, Queens; East Hampton, New York and then in Winter Park, Florida where she was an active member of St. Margaret Mary Parish and where her loving husband John Lavelle died in in 2003. During the last six years of her life, Mary found wonderful new companions and neighbors at The Mews in Greenwich.

Mary is survived by four daughters, Katherine (Henry) Hudson, Mary (Alfonso) Giaquinto, Sarah Conley Matyi and Meg (George) Bradt, fifteen grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband John, she was predeceased by an infant son Hugh, daughter Marie Eaton and sons-in-law George Eaton and Brooks Matyi.

Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews and members of her extended family. May she rest in peace.

Family and friends will join together to remember her at a wake on Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 3 pm at the Leo Gallagher Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830. A Memorial Mass and burial will take place in Winter Park, FL at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mews, ½ Bolling Place, Greenwich, CT 06830.