Mary R. (LaRosa) Avellino, 85, a resident of Medway since 1992, died peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Joseph A. Avellino who died in 2000.
Born in Boston on December 3, 1936, she was the daughter of the late John and Concetta (Gelardi) LaRosa.
In 1957, Mary and her husband founded Cummins Nursery and Flowers in Roslindale and operated that business until selling it in 1992. In 1978 they founded Medway Garden Center & Nursery, which they began with their sons, Andy, Joe, and John and grandson Christopher. In true family fashion, grandchildren Maggie, Maria, Eva, Brendan, Joey and Michael have given their time to the family business.
Mary was an avid reader and loved to travel. One of her greatest joys was helping to raise her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Andrew Avellino, Joanne Cudmore, Joseph Avellino, Mary McElroy, Dora Avellino-Chan, Concetta Avellino, and John Avellino, all of Medway and her sons and daughter-in-law Bob, Tom, Nathan and Emma.
She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two sisters, Antoinette Corby of Scituate and Josephine LaRosa of Roslindale, her sister-in-law Dora Calisi of Stoughton and many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late John LaRosa, Frances Arrigo, Sarah Marotta and Gasper LaRosa.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 21 at St. Joseph Church, 151 Village St. in Medway at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Medway.
Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).