Mary A. DiGregorio, a longtime second grade teacher for Somerville Public Schools, passed away on Friday, February 15th 2019. Born in Somerville, she was the cherished daughter of the late Lucy (Costantino) and Joseph DiGregorio. Mary earned her masters degree from Lesley University and began her Ph. D; taking course at Tufts University. For over 40 years, Mary was a second-grade teacher primarily assigned to the Healey School. She loved teaching and was devoted to her many students. Voted Teacher of the Year, she also received recognition from President Ronald Reagan after her class wrote to him about Peace and was invited to a dinner held by the King of Saudi Arabia after the class wrote him get well letters while he was receiving medical treatment at Mass General Hospital. Always one to help, Mary also volunteered her time at the Little Sisters of the Poor on Highland Ave. Most recently, Mary was still involved with many projects at the school and could be found decorating her classroom and bulletin board with the current events. She will be lovingly remembered by her students and colleagues for her positive outlook and kind words she had for all. Mary is survived by her devoted sister, Joanne L. DiGregorio of Somerville; her cherished cats, Hannah and Carrie and many friends and colleagues. Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Thursday morning, February 21st at 8AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Clement Church at 9AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Calling Hours Wednesday 6PM-8PM. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marys memory can be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 186 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 or for her love of animals, the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970. For more information please visit www.dohertyfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville.
I was doing a search and sadly found that Ms. DiGregorio had passed last year. I wanted to see her again and thank her. I can not forget the kindness that Ms. DiGregorio showed to me and all her students. I will never forget her. Thank you for being so kind and loving.
George
Student
July 14, 2020
MS.DIGREGORIO WAS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE TEACHER AT THE HEALEY SCHOOL. SHE ALWAYS CARED ABOUT HER STUDENTS AND MADE SURE ON A DAILY BASIS ALL HER STUDENTS HAD A SNACK TO EAT. SHE WAS SUCH A LOVING, COMPASSIONATE TEACHER.
WISHING HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS PEACE TO BRING YOU COMFORT, COURAGE TO FACE THE DAYS AHEAD AND LOVING MEMORIES TO FOREVER HOLD IN YOUR HEART.
BETSY
BETSY RIVERA
February 22, 2019
I worked with Mary at the Healey School. We talked on many occasions as she went through my office. She talked a lot about her sister, Joanne, so lovingly. I will miss Mary greatly. May she Rest In Peace in heaven and may God watch over her sister Joanne to bring her peace at this most difficult time.
Lynne Chamallas
February 19, 2019
February 19, 2019
She was one of my all time favorite teachers; so sweet and kind. I was in awe of her fancy clothes, and shoes to match! Thank you for being so wonderful. Rest in Gods peace.
Theresa McLennan (Wedge)
February 19, 2019
Mary was a wonderful woman and a good friend I enjoyed our visits at little sisters May she rest in prace. And my heart and love goes out to my friend , her sister,Joanne
Patty Hall
Friend
February 19, 2019
Miss DiGregorio was such a positive and giving teacher, she loved her students, it didn't matter if you live in the projects or not. She made each of her students feel special. We would run into each other over the years and she would know my names and my brothers and sisters names as well, she would always begin her conversation by asking "how are you doing and how's your family?"
She love to teach and when she was no longer able to she moaned the lost of having contact with her students. Yet, she always wore a smile.
I am sure her sister, whom she lived with will miss her dearly as will all her thousands of students.
Miss DiGregorio may you rest in peace.
John Buonomo
February 18, 2019
Had Her In 2 Grade ... I Always Looked At Her In Awe, Was A Very Beautiful Compassionate Woman With A Soft Voice .. May You Rest Easy Now Ms. DiGregorio
Bonnie
February 18, 2019
I had Mrs. Digregorio for second grade at the healey school. I remember her as a very nice teacher abd akways smiling. She looks exactly the same in this picture as i remember her. She always had her hair up. My condolences to her family. She left a lasting impression with those she taught. (I am in my 50s). Valerie Trabucco
Valerie Trabucco
February 18, 2019
I had the pleasure with working with Ms. DiGregorio as her school secretary. She was always positive and very friendly and to her students she was a very kind and understanding teacher. May you rest in peace Ms. DiGregorio
Evelyn Scheri
February 18, 2019
Rest In Peace.
Katie Cremens-Basbas
Coworker
February 18, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. And while you await for the promise at John 6:40 to be fulfilled please accept my deepest sympathy.
February 18, 2019
Mary
I miss our talks the nights you stay late at School. So much Wisdom and Kindness.
You Always went out of your to help other. You Will Be Missed. Rest easy Mary
Robin Legee
Friend
February 17, 2019
My condolences for the loss of a wonderful person and educator. I will always remember her smile and patience in the classroom. RIP Miss D!
Former Student Healey School 1972
February 17, 2019
"Miss Gregory" was my 2nd grade teacher..i am now almost 68 years old and she is and always will be my favorite teacher. I was very shy as a child but Miss Gregory always made me feel very special, that i could do or be anything i wanted no matter what anyone else thought. Throughout the decades she often crossed my mind and the memories of her kindness will stay with me until the end. As tribute to her i will be sending a donation to her requested animal shelter as I am also an animal lover and advocate. I remember clearly the day our class got to see a huge black snake brought into the class by some authorized, i am sure, adult. It is no surprise that Miss Gregory has cats as her heart was as loving and compassionate as one human could be. I know generations of Somerville kids owe her a huge debt of gratitude for she shaped us in ways we to this day cannot even imagine. She was far beyond a great teacher. She was a life changing force who will not be forgotten by anyone lucky enough to have been in her class. May she rest in peace knowing she was loved, admired, and most of all loved by those young minds and hearts under her wing. Blessed Be, Miss Gregory and thank you for your kindness to this long ago second grader. Jean Tegan.
JEAN TEGAN
Student
February 17, 2019
12 years ago I had the privilege to be in Mary's class when I was in second grade. She always had good things to say about me, and she always did it with a smile. She will be missed. Thank You, for being a teacher who pushed me to do my best at such a young age.
Nicolas Da Silva Piovesana
Student
February 16, 2019
I don't know you I'm so sorry to hear about your sister she is now resting in peace you are in my prays May god be with you always remember the good times you had with her
Lorraine Butler
Acquaintance
February 16, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Mary was a very special person and will be missed by many here is Somerville.
Patricia DiPasquale
Coworker
February 16, 2019
You will always be cherished for being such a thoughtful and loving person. My heart is so blessed chicken or knowing you. My prayers of comfort are being sent to Joanne. Mary will always be remembered.
John Federico
Coworker
February 16, 2019
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Feb
20
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville855 Broadway (Powder House Square), Somerville, MA 02144
Feb
21
8:00 a.m.
George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville855 Broadway (Powder House Square), Somerville, MA 02144
Funeral services provided by:
George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville855 Broadway (Powder House Square), Somerville, MA 02144
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more