Mary S. (Gretchen) Stanowicz

Mary S. (Gretchen) Stanowicz, Of Framingham, formerly of Waltham, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Saint Patrick's Manor in Framingham at the remarkable age of 106.

Born on December 18, 1916, She was a daughter of the late Dominik and Sofia (Ragelewicz) Gretchen and was raised and educated in the Savin Hill neighborhood of Boston. On May 11, 1941, Mary married Joseph T. Stanowicz at Our Lady of Czestochowa in Dorchester, and the two settled in the Allston-Brighton area to start their family. In 1961, they moved to Waltham, where they bought their first house and spent many happy years together before Joseph’s passing in 1996.

Mary was a devout Catholic and was an actively involved parishioner at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church in Waltham. She volunteered at the Christmas Bazaar and helped with organizing bingo events, where she enjoyed spending time with friends and community members. In her younger years, Mary was an avid candlepin bowler and loved to compete with her friends. She was also an exceptional cook and was known for her homemade pizza. Mary loved hosting family gatherings and was an excellent host.

Traveling was one of Mary's greatest passions, and she and her husband Joseph enjoyed visiting many places around the world. They went on numerous cruises and made many happy memories together. Mary also enjoyed trips to Foxwoods casino and Vegas, where she loved to try her luck at the slot machines. However, Mary's favorite thing of all was spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family and seeing them grow up.

Mary lived a long and fulfilling life, and her love, kindness, and generosity will be missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family, which will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Paul J. Stanowicz (Eileen) of Waltham, Jean M. Field (Harold) of Burlington, Irene M. Beckwith (Millard) of Natick and Patricia A. Bulger (Ralph) of Snellville, Georgia; her grandchildren, Michael Field (Carla), Christine Sinacola (Matthew), Jason (Janice), Brian (Breane) and Kevin (Lauren) Bulger, Todd (Dina Smith) and Adam Beckwith, Brandon, Garrett (Mykala Haynes) and Aidan (Sophie Skipper) Stanowicz; her great-grandchildren MacKenzie Field, Madison, Brenden, Collin, Katherine and Grace Bulger, and Matthew Sinacola. She also leaves her long-time bestfriend Marie Stocki and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Joseph, she was predeceased by her son Joseph ‘Joey’ Stanowicz and her siblings John Gretchen, Patricia Berkeley, and Jean Galinis.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mary’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, March 26th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 8 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Mary's name may be made to:

Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, olca.org

Or

The American Cancer Society PO Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 cancer.org.