Mary A. "Mae" Graziano

Mary A. (Mae) Graziano, of Braintree, originally of So. Boston, a cherished soul whose kindness and generosity touched the hearts of many, passed away surrounded by her loving family listening to Irish Music, on February 22, 2026 at the age of 85.

Born on January 15, 1941, in Boston, Mary was the daughter of the late John J. and Leonore (Sullivan) Maher and the beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Graziano (BFD).

She was a beacon of love and strength, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and dedication to her family and community.

A graduate of South Boston High School, Mary embarked on a remarkable career with New England Telephone/Verizon where she began as a switchboard operator demonstrating tenacity, resilience and ascending to her final position as a SARTS Craftsman in a field dominated by men. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence were an inspiration to her colleagues.

Mary's life was a testament to service and leadership. As a longtime member and Past President of the Braintree Women's Club, she exemplified the spirit of community.

As Chairwoman of numerous committee's and participant of many social activities (choir/bowling/traveling) in club her involvement was heartfelt and impactful. Her impact was felt additionally as President of 2nd District Past President Club within the Massachusetts General Federation of Women's Club. She was the epitome of a quiet but powerful force, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and as a member of St. Thomas Moore Church, Mary's dedication shone through; whether it be as simple as attending mass to being involved with CYO, teaching CCD or attending Couples Club events with her late husband Joe.

Mary's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. An avid reader, she found joy in the pages of a book. She found joy in car rides and stopping along the way to grab something to eat, like a hot dog, fries and a coke at Castle Island. She relished in playing cards with her brothers and sister in the backyard or at a Casino, camping with family and friends, and traveling to her favorite destinations like Ireland, Italy, Las Vegas, Florida and the Caribbean. However, the Cape was a place of solace and happiness for Mary, where she enjoyed the simple pleasures of a craft fair or watching her grandchildren play on the beaches.

Family was the heart of Mary's world. She was a loving mother to Suzanne Richards and her husband Derek of Hanover, and to Mary Jo Graziano of Braintree. Her role as devoted sister was fulfilled with grace and affection for Eileen Logan and her late husband James of Hanson, Joseph Maher and his wife Lesley of Braintree, and she held dear the memory of her late siblings Jean Christian and her husband Edward Christian of FL, John "Buddy" Maher, Thomas Maher and his wife Patricia Maher of Pembroke, and Francis Maher.

Mary's warmth and laughter as a grandmother was known to her grandchildren Matthew, Tyler and Jillian Richards, who adored her as "Grandma", "G-Ma", or "Mama".

She was a dear sister-in-law to Arthur Graziano and his wife Anne of Plymouth, and remembered fondly as "Olive Oil" by her late brother-in-law Daniel Graziano and his wife Jo-Ann Graziano of Plymouth. Mary's extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews will miss her dearly as will her faithful golden retriever companion Maggie Mae.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Celtic Angels and her "Irish Girls" for their loving and compassionate care.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of her loving, kind, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to have known her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation period on Thursday, March 5th, from 9:00-10:30am in St Francis of Assisi Church, 850 Washington St., Braintree, Ma. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30am and burial will follow in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree, Ma.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Joslin Diabetes Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129.