Published in the April 15, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Mary Louise (Greene) Toomey, of Melrose, a survivor of lung cancer, died on April 7 after a lengthy illness.
Mary was born in Melrose on Sept. 3, 1946 to Leo and Marguerite (Donahue) Greene. She was raised in Melrose, attended St. Mary Grammar School and graduated from Melrose High School.
Mary worked as a nurse for 40 years. She earned a degree in Nursing from the Somerville School of Nursing. She became an LPN in 1972 and later became an RN in 1995. Mary worked at the Grover Manner in Revere for 14 years and then at the Chelsea Soldiers Home for 25 years where she eventually became head nurse.
She was a very kind hearted and empathetic person, she was always helping people any way she could; it was her nature. During her time at the Chelsea Soldiers Home she would often pay for her patients to get their hair cut when they could not afford to do so, but this is only one example among many acts of kindness she showed throughout her life.
Mary had quick wit and a great sense of humor. She loved spending time at the family camp at Davidson’s Campground in New Hampshire. She also enjoyed traveling to Rangeley, Maine.
Mary loved a good steak dinner and spent a lot of time ordering things for her family through the Home Shopping Network.
Mary loved her family more than words could express; she will be greatly missed by them all.
She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph J. Vitale Jr. and the late Albert J. Toomey of 40 years. She was the loving mother of Angela Vitale and Sean Toomey, both of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of Quinn Beckles of Melrose. She was the caring sister of Betsy Mainero and her husband Alfred of Saugus and Leo Greene III and his wife Barbara of Melrose. Mary was cared for by her dedicated friend Donna Wild for the last three years. Mary also leaves behind her favorite companion Tucci. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and devoted friends.
Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, April 12, from 5-8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, Melrose at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Chelsea Soldier’s Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea MA 02150. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
