May 22, 1924 – June 30, 2023
Merrimac – Mary G. (Belzarine) Alsterlund, age 99, of Merrimac, formerly of Reading, MA, passed away peacefully at Aspen Hill Health Care Center in Haverhill, surrounded by her devoted family. She was the loving wife of the late Charles W. Alsterlund, the love of her life, who passed on March 26, 2004, after 57 years of marriage.
Born in Malden on May 2, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Gladys M. (Gove) Belzarine.
Mary was very protective of her family and was proud to be a “stay-at-home Mom,” taking care of her 3 children and setting the examples of kindness, understanding, respect for others, and being helpful and polite. She was always there to help, giving encouragement and unconditional love.
Mary and Charlie were wonderful parents and enjoyed having friends gather at their lake house in Merrimac, along with their children and their friends. They all shared the most wonderful times with all the various activities at the lake. There was never a dull moment.
She has profoundly touched so many lives with loving smiles and welcoming hugs, and captured endless treasured memories that will never be forgotten. Mary is survived by her three children, Nancy A. Gretsky and husband Daniel L. Johnson, Judith C. Fletcher and husband Tony and Richard W. Alsterlund and his special friend, Marie Weeks; her beloved grandchildren, Kate Gretsky O’Donnell and husband Kenneth; Alexander A. Gretsky and wife Emily, and Caitlin and Alle Fletcher; five great-grandchildren, Camden, Colby and Kylie O’Donnell, Ruby Wren Gretsky, and Alexander Reed Gretsky.
A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac, at 1:30 P.M., where Mary will be laid to eternal rest next to her beloved husband, Charlie. Arrangements were by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860. Donations in her memory may be made to Lake Attitash Association, P. O. Box 503, Amesbury, MA 01913.
