Mary J. Grzelak

FRANKLIN ; Mary J. Grzelak, 96, of Liberty Ave., Franklin, died peacefully at The Golden Crest Retirement Community in Franklin on Feb. 22, 2009.

She was born in Franklin on Jan. 23, 1913, the daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Buczynski) Grzelak. Miss Grzelak was raised in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1931. Mary spent most of her life in Franklin, but she resided in North Andover, Mass., for 10 years while working at Western Electric and cooking at various colleges, including Wellesley College. Mary's culinary skills were also on display as she spent time cooking at several resorts on Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee. She later was employed at Franklin Regional Hospital for more than 10 years.

Mary was a communicant of St. Paul Church and was a member of The Blue Army. She volunteered at Merrimack County Nursing Home, was a life member of the Franklin Regional Hospital Auxiliary, and was a member of the Our Lady of Fatima Apostolate.

Mary was a selfless person dedicated to her family and faith. She traveled abroad with family, friends and church groups to destinations including Poland, Medjugorje and Portugal. She was an outstanding cook routinely preparing food for family and friends. May also enjoyed gardening, but especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by nieces and nephews, including Matt Grzelak of East Andover, Karen Grzelak and Susan Winters, both of Franklin, John Grzelak of Sanbornton, Mary Jo Miller of Plainfield, Stephen Grzelak of Center Harbor, and Nancy Blake of Brockton, Mass., grandnieces and grandnephews, including J.J. Winters, Shelley Winters, and Eddie Winters, Tony, Matthew, Mark, and Michael Grzelak, godchildren Mary Lu Smallwood and Lu Ann Patterson.

She was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, Edward, and Ted Grzelak; and a nephew, Gerald Grzelak.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, Feb. 27, from 6-8 p.m. at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. in St. Paul Church with spring burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to a charity of one's choice.

For directions and an online guest book, please visit www.neunfuneralhomes.com