Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Whelan Obituary
September 11, 1930 - May 8, 2024
Mary Rose Whelan (Pirrello) passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, surrounded by family.
Mary was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in a large, loving, Italian family. She attended Central High School in Bridgeport, graduating highest in her class. After her graduation, she enrolled at the University of Bridgeport, where she met the love of her life, the late Richard M. Whelan.
Upon graduating summa cum laude and moving to Greenwich, Mary became a teacher at her alma mater, Central High School. Later in life she worked at the Greenwich High School Media Center, and as a caretaker for special needs children.
As a woman of deep faith, religion was a very important part of Mary's life. She was an active parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Byram, as well as a member of the St. Catherine Players for 25 years, where she became well known for her gregarious singing and dancing. Outside of church, she enjoyed spending time at her much beloved Byram Shore, swimming and socializing with her friends. She was also an active member of the Byram Veterans Women's Auxiliary.
Above all Mary loved her family. Her 68-year marriage to Richard was filled with an enduring love, and many dances to Glen Miller's "In the Mood". She never missed a birthday, baptismal day, or any other celebration. Time spent with her family was what she most cherished.
Mary had a way of bringing joy and life to everyone she met through her engaging and energetic personality and was sure to let them know that they were in her prayers.
She is survived by her six children, Peggy of Dunedin, FL, Richard (Susan) of St. Augustine, FL, Patti (Bob) LePere of Cheshire, CT, Robert (Beth) of Wilmington, NY, Joe (Kristin) of Newtown, CT and Mary (John) Taylor of Mission Hills, KS. She is also survived by her grandchildren Paul, Joey, Kristopher, Jared, Ruby, Ethan, Mallory, Leah (Matt) Piros and her great-granddaughter Quinn, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Castiglione Funeral Home located at 544 Old Post Rd., Greenwich, CT. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, June 4, at Sacred Heart Church, 95 Henry Street, Greenwich, CT. Burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Whelan
Marie Romaniello
June 3, 2024
Heartfelt condolences to Mary´s family. We were all very blessed to have known and love her...a beautiful, kind lady with a big heart! I shall always be grateful for her friendship years ago with my Mom and like to think of them happily reuniting again in Heaven! Love & Peace
Betsy Bergeron & Kim Malara
June 2, 2024
My fondest memories of Mary are at Arch Street where we rehearsed our summer shows with Anything's Possible Players and Off-Beat Players. She was a small but mighty force of joy whose smile could brighten anyplace that she was in. We made sure that she always had her copy of the script, as she wanted to be as much a part of the action as possible. Whether it was encouraging our actors, making them brownies or being at every show, she gave us all love. To say we will miss her is an understatement. Her light will ALWAYS shine with us and our theatre company. Mary was also a connection to my mom and dad, who passed 9 and 14 years ago respectively. She was a part of that great generation, the likes of whom will never be seen again. Mary, we will never forget you, your beautiful smile, your energy, your faith and your passion for living. God has an amazing angel in heaven. Keep looking out for us. My deepest sympathies to her loving family. May God bless you all.
Brian W. Ciccone
June 2, 2024
Mary was one of the kindest, most gentlest of souls. When we started our little theatre troupe, the Off-Beat Players, she would come to rehearsal with trays of brownies for snack, the best in the world by the way. Her ability to show unconditional love for the performers without, but more importantly with disabilities was a prime example for her wealth of love and her ability to bring joy into the world. She was always ready for a quick jitterbug, to be silly and make us laugh or for an amazing hug. One summer at the cast party we heard a splash in the pool only to turn around and find her, fully clothed, swimming with the other performers. She was forever youthful and vibrant. That is how I will remember her.
Hon. Edward T. Krumeich
May 31, 2024
I had the pleasure of appearing with Mary on stage in eleven of the twenty-five productions in which she appeared for the St. Catherine´s Players. Mary lit up the stage with her personality and enthusiasm. She was beloved of every cast and will be sorely missed. She and Richard were the loving couple we all hope to be and an example to us all. RIP Mary and Richard. Condolences to your friends and families.
John Santoro
May 31, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Whelan family on Mary's passing.
Dr. Christopher M. Minio
May 31, 2024
I was saddened to read this news. I remember Mary fondly from the library at Greenwich High School, where I spent many open blocks working so as not to bring homework home. We spoke nearly everyday and she was always wearing her smile and so happy to greet me and everyone who walked into the library. When I graduated, she gave me the book "It isn´t easy being green" (Kermit the Frog), which is still among the books in my home library 30 years later. With a heavy heart...
Pamela Morrell Merritt
May 30, 2024
I met Mary when she and Dick first started dating as he lived across from my family on High St. Mary was the sweetest person. She always wore a smile and had a kind word for everyone. Rest in Peace Mary. You will never be forgotten and will be missed by many. My condolences to the family.
Pamela Morrell Merritt
Michele Quaranta
May 19, 2024
To The Whelan Family:
I remember both of your parents from the years they were in the Byram Veterans Association with my parents. Mary was always friendly and cheerful. I also remember Mary swimming at Byram Shore and Island Beach. My deepest condolences to the family. Michele Quaranta
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Whelan's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Whelan
Jun
3
How to support Mary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Whelan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously