Will be remembered for her love, honesty and wit

MELROSE — Mary G. McLean of Melrose, daughter of James F. Whitty and Laura Grant Whitty passed to her Heavenly repose on Sunday, December 26, 2021.

A lifelong resident of Melrose and a retiree of the Melrose Public School Department having worked in the Guidance Office of Melrose High School, Mary retired in 2001, she is survived by her brother Jim Whitty and wife, Jean, of Florida; her sister Lorry Drew of Reading; her daughter Ann Marie McLean Mahon and her husband, Andrew Mahon, of Weymouth; her daughter Ellen Cosbar (Gahlin) of Prince Edward Island, Canada; her son Said Chaharome (Melissa) of Newburyport, her grandsons Glen Cosbar of Melrose, Kyle Quigney and wife Melanie of Georgia, and William Reed and wife Melissa of the US Navy, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son Joseph McLean, her companion of 25 years Albano Quatros, her sister Annie Johnson of Melrose, and her sister Joan Powers of Harwichport.

Mrs. McLean was a seasonal resident and descendant from Prince Edward Island, Canada, having summered there annually throughout her life where she has many devoted family, friends, and fond memories. Mary was a devoted fan of the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and she loved to watch PGA Golf tournaments and World Class Figure Skating. Her hobbies were crossword puzzles and the old art of caning, particularly the restoration of chairs which she restored to pristine condition. She was very involved with her immediate and extended family and loved to gather with them throughout her life. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s in Melrose until her health prevented her from attending Mass, but her heart was always with the Catholic Church, home and abroad. She will be remembered for her love, her kindness, her frankness and honesty, her wit, her perseverance and courage, and her generosity.

Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, January 3, 2022 from 9-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. To sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.