April 16, 1930 – June 2, 2023
Mary Ellen Girasella passed away peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2023, surrounded by family. Mary Ellen (Skerry) Girasella was a resident of Reading for over 55 years. She was born and raised in Salem, MA, the daughter of the late Patrick J. Skerry and Annie M. (Connolly) Skerry.
For 60 years, Mary was the beloved wife of John D. Girasella. She was the devoted mother of Joyce Krekorian and her husband, Steve of Andover, Brenda Schwartz and her husband, James of Newton, and Gail Ronayne and her husband Sean of Reading. She was the proud “Nana” to nine grandchildren, Elise, Brett, Kara, Shea Krekorian, Megan and Thomas Schwartz, and John, Matthew, and Brian Ronayne. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews.
Mary was a graduate of St. James High School in Salem. She began her career at Salem Electric Lighting Company and formed lifelong friendships. After raising her family, she returned to work at Reading Municipal Light Department and met another wonderful group of friends. Together they enjoyed many performances at the North Shore Music Theater.
Mary loved spending time with her family and never missed a chance to celebrate her loved ones. She attended many of their sporting events and school functions over the years. She enjoyed every summer on Ossipee Lake, golfing, boating, playing games, and having cookouts with family. Mary was an avid reader and belonged to several books clubs. She had a love of nature and animals and enjoyed planting flowers and giving love to the family pets.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 8 from 4pm-7pm at the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St., Reading. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 9 at 10:30am at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading, MA. Interment following at Charles Lawn Cemetery in Reading.
