Mary Elizabeth Antonellis

Mary Elizabeth (Sheldon) Antonellis of Waltham and Wayland (formerly of Corning, NY and Battlecreek, MI) passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at the age of 84. She and her late husband, Albert Antonellis had five children: John Antonellis and his wife Dora of Londonderry, NH, Stephen Antonellis and his wife Laurel Hortvet of Glastonbury, CT, Thomas Antonellis and his wife Laurie of Norfolk, MA, Timothy Antonellis and his wife Linda Orloff of Derry, NH, and Nancy D'Amato and her husband Paul of Framingham, MA. Twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren were proud to call her Gramma. She is also survived by her siblings Dr. Edward Sheldon and his wife Adda of San Diego, CA, and Nancy Robinson of Los Angeles, CA, her sister-in-law Janette Antonellis of Newport RI, Concetta Boyce and her husband Gerry of Newton, MA, her brother-in-law Pat Antonellis and his wife Jeanne of Pacific Grove CA, and many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her brother Robert Sheldon and his wife Vivian, as well as, family members Harold Robinson, Michael Antonellis, Anthony Antonellis and his wife Bernice.

Mary attended Atlantic Union College in Lancaster, MA. While a student there, she had a chance meeting on a train with a young serviceman from Newton named Albert. They would go on to be married and share 58 years of love and laughter as they raised their family. Mary was an active member of the Waltham community for decades. Many knew her as "Mrs. A". She was a Girl Scout leader, a school volunteer, a school secretary, a mentor, a devoted friend and a second mother to many. Mary would fill any spare time sewing, cooking, and crafting, hobbies which she loved to share with everyone, especially her children and grandchildren.

After their retirement, Mary and Albert enjoyed summers on Cape Cod and lived the lifelong dream of exploring Europe.

Please join family and friends for a memorial celebration of Mary's life at The Carriage House at Lee's Farm, 134 Boston Post Road (Rt. 20) in Wayland on Sunday, June 11, 2017. The family welcomes you to gather for a 1:00 pm reception, and a 2:00 pm ceremony of Mary's life. Please wear Mary's favorite color blue, and bring a story or a photograph that reminds you of our cherished grandmother, mother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to "Mary's Kitchen at Avita". A sign with Mary's name will hang in the residents' kitchen at Avita reminding all of her passion for "cooking together". Donations will also go to spread Mary's love of cooking, baking and teaching by providing special culinary activities for memory impaired residents. Checks sent to the Carriage House at Lee's Farm with "Mary's Kitchen" on the memo line. Be sure to include your name with any donation in order for Mary's family to able to thank you for your thoughtfulness.