Mary G. Pelletier (Maxwell)
On Oct. 2, 2021 At the age of 94, Mary left this world in her home in Salem. Though we are broken hearted, she was surrounded by her loving family and beautiful music. Her passing was almost as beautiful as the life she led.
Born in St. Stephen, New Brunswick Canada on Jan. 10, 1927. Beloved wife of the late Lionel (Beaver)Pelletier, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her sister Margaret Jacobs and her oldest daughter, Margie Raymond. She is survived by her devoted children and their faithful partners, Richard Pelletier of Nahant, Mary Pelletier of Marblehead and Dube's Restaurant, Monica Froese and Rich Martin of Addison ME, David Pelletier and his wife Judy of Eliot ME, Martha Petit and her husband Mark of Salem, Maureen Kapnis and her husband Michael of Salem, Myra Coletti and her husband Bill of Gloucester, Mona Noone and her husband Rick of Salem, and son-in-law David Raymond, Sr. of Salem. Also survived by her loving grandchildren and partners, David Raymond and Alison of Marblehead, Emily and Rob Hargreaves of Denver Co, Melissa and Brian St.Pierre of Beverly, Allison and Sage Prigozen of Harrison NY, Jake and Danielle Pelletier of Denver CO, Jilliann Pezzullo and John of Salem, Hannah and Brody Saunders of Portsmouth NH, Joe Petit of Salem Harry Noone and Jill of Salem, Amanda Pelletier of Eliot ME, Jackie Kapnis and Eric of Dedham, Abigail Donovan and Steven of Salem, Ben Pelletier of Eliot ME. Her Great grandchildren, Aiden and Madeline St.Pierre of Beverly and Emerson and Brooke and Braedyn of Salem, Olivia and Jillian Coletti of Newburyport, Madison and Travis Pratt of Danvers. Her brother and sisters-in-law Herve, Annette and Theresa Pelletier, along with many loving nieces and nephews and of course, a huge circle of friends.
Mary's lifelong accomplishments are too many to mention, this IS the abbreviated list. She began her professional solo singing career at 15 in St. Stephen. Some of her most gratifying moments were singing at all her children's weddings, as well as being the "Go to" soloist for many funerals and weddings. She was also the Cantor and soloist for both St. Anne's and Immaculate Conception Churches in Salem.
Mary was a loyal member and face of the Paul Madore Chorale for almost 50 happy years. She and her dear departed friend Trudy, founded Summer Sing. Together they auditioned many Boston based and local soloist and directors. Along with volunteer orchestra and singers, they filled Salem's Old Town Hall with beautiful music . In 1997, with the Paul Madore Chorale, she sang at the Vatican in audience of the Pope. The Chorale also traveled to Caen and Normandy France for the 50th Anniversary of D Day with other celebrated choirs. Her music interests spread wide, attending Boston Pops and Symphonies, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Tina Turner with her children. Ever loyal to the Queen of England, Mary loved the Royals and hosted pre-dawn wedding parties in her home for Diana, William and Harry, complete in costume and English cuisine. Known as the Castle Hill Queen of Halloween for the past 25 years, Mary began her creations in August and proceeded to build spectacular life size presentations, such as IT, Wizard of Oz, Hansel and Gretel, Michael Jackson's Thriller and Chevy Chase's Vacation to name a few.
Her love of Steven King horror movies and books prompted a successful side trip to Bangor in search of him and his home. Her passion for humor was fulfilled by Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. She loved her Faith, spectator sports and gardening in her spectacular 200 ft. perennial garden, which she maintained until her passing. She was also known for slow dining with a Beefeater martini. At 80, she received her first computer and quickly became proficient, though she didn't think so. Her daily routine included reading her emails, viewing Face book, Google and YouTube, which she used daily to search selections of music she loved. Age never mattered to her, yet it did to a certain son-in- law, prompting her to gift him the book, "Age Only Matters If You Are A Cheese."
Her love of the ocean, weather and storm chasing was strong. Dane St, Forest River and Nahant beaches were frequented with half dozen or more kids. And later, Long Beach and the Annisquam with children and grandchildren. Her lifelong travels were many, including Cross Country Canadian Rail, Alaska Adventure, several European journeys and quick jaunts to Vegas to satisfy her love for nickel slot machines. Some of her fondest memories were the many sailing adventures with her friends on the Sea Sharp and Entres Nous.
She was the proud Matriarch of Dube's Restaurant in Salem for over 60 years, but never hesitated to wash dishes and scrub floors. Her daily visits have spawned many lasting friendships with patrons and staff equally.
(Mom) was so proud to share in her childrens' many accomplishments and homes. Though never boastful, she often included her circle of friends to family gatherings and events.
Her lasting gifts are numerous and powerful… Family, Faith, Love, Music, Hard Work, Forgiveness, Humility, Fairness and Gratitude will live on in her large family, as she hoped and prayed. We struggle to understand the cruelty of the ALS diagnosis that took her beautiful voice. In the end, she never stopped laughing and found other ways to communicate her love. The family would like to thank all her friends, Drs, neighbors and community who meant so much to her. In turn , we're certain her loving and caring spirit and heavenly voice will always be remembered.
In lieu of a Wake, due to COVID and respect to all, please join us for Funeral Service which will be held @ St. Anne's Church, Salem MA on Wed, October 13th @ 11:00A.M., followed by the Committal Service at St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem MA. Salem requires all guests must be wearing protective face coverings indoors. Assisting her family with arrangements is the Levesque Funeral Home of Salem. For guestbook and additional information please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com In place of flowers, to honor Mary's life…Be kind, Forgive, Love one another and SING, SING, SING!