Calello, Mary Cronin of Dover, Pocasset, and Walpole, MA. Devoted wife of the late Al Calello, and loving mother of Catherine Staples and her husband James, Ann Groccia and her husband Al, the late Paul Calello and his wife Jane Debevoise, and Kristan Bishop and her husband Rick. She has twelve grandchildren—Claire Staples, Natalie Staples, Kevin Staples, Ling Groccia, Chan Groccia, Jin Calello, David Calello, James Calello, Peter Calello, Ryan Bishop, Matthew Bishop, and Jack Bishop—as well as a niece and six nephews.
Mary was born on January 22, 1933, in Dover, daughter of the late Jeremiah and Delia Fahey Cronin. Surviving is her brother, Paul Cronin, of Middleburg, Va. Her sister, Ann Latosek, and brother, Father Francis Cronin, preceded her in death. Mary attended Emmanuel College and then the University of Massachusetts. She and her husband, Al, met at Boston College School of Social Work. The two graduated with their masters degrees and days later were married on June 16, 1956. While raising her four children, Mary started her career as a VISTA coordinator and went on to spend 20 ears as Adjustment Counselor in Millis school system. She retired at sixty but wanted to continue to help children and families. At the age of sixty-two, Mary attended law school at Boston College. One of things she loved about law school was the case study format, which allowed her years of experience as a social worker to come to bear on the law. After law school, she served as a public defender for juveniles and mental health cases, often representing an under-served population. Mary practiced law until she was 80.
Mary loved spending time at the Cape, particularly in Pocasset and at the Chart Room. She also enjoyed being part of the chorus at the Dover Foundation with her husband Al. She was an avid reader and enjoyed musicals and museums. Mary and Al loved to travel, spending time in Naples, FL as well as taking trips with family to Italy, Ireland, Hong Kong, and China. Mary had many great friends throughout her life and loved to spend time with them. She took great joy in her twelve grandchildren and loved them unconditionally. They, like many people, knew they could turn to her for love and support. Mary was brilliant, kind, and compassionate; she was a fierce advocate for her family and the children and families she served. She led a meaningful life and will be missed by many.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley on Sunday, February 20, from 2-6pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. A private funeral Mass and burial will be held on Monday, February 21st. There will be a Celebration of Life in the spring. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation: www.alz.org