Mary L. Witham Obituary

Mary L. Witham, fondly known to many as "Mamey," died peacefully at her home in Rockport on the morning of February 15, 2024, at the age of 101.

She was born in Rockport, MA, to the late Charles Boynton and Helen Morse. Mary was one of nine children. Mary graduated from Rockport High School in 1939 and, shortly after, met George, the love of her life. They shared 76 years of marriage until George's passing at the age of 104 in 2021. Together, they raised a son and two daughters that they absolutely adored.

Mary was a well-known realtor in Cape Ann for fifty-plus years. She started her career at Lufkin & Brown, then began her own real estate company, "Witham Real Estate.". She later worked for Century 21 and then Beaton Real Estate until her retirement at age 90. She also worked at Rockport Town Hall as a secretary when her children were young and was one of the first working mothers in the 50s. She became the first female assessor in The Town of Rockport. Mary was ahead of her time in believing that women could work and raise families.

Mary was a woman of strong faith and an active member of The United Methodist Church for decades. She and George were significantly involved, rarely missing a Sunday, and would often be found in the kitchen hosting a ham and bean supper for the community. In recognition of all of George and Marys' hard work, the church dedicated the fellowship hall in their honor.

Mary was a member of the Pigeon Cove Circle and the Rebecca Lodge. She had many hobbies. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, doing crossword puzzles, and reading. She was a talented woodcarver and enjoyed making ceramics. She also loved owls and, through the years, acquired a vast ceramic collection.

Mary was a well-respected member of the Rockport community, the town in which she lived her entire life. Mary had a deep love for her family. She was a loving, kind-hearted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

She was always very involved in her children's life. She used to bake themed cakes for holidays and birthdays when they were young. She was an accomplished seamstress who could design a costume or clothing for any special event. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling with them throughout the years.

She adored spending time with her siblings and their spouses and often hosted get-togethers with "the gang," as she fondly called them. Her grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she was very involved. Mamey and Buppa's home was always open. Everyone loved going to their house; there were always jars of cookies and multiple candy dishes that she ensured were always filled, even up to her final days.

Nothing meant more to Mary than her family. She will always be remembered for her continued support, love, and compassion and will be dearly missed. Mary was indeed a remarkable woman.

Mary is survived by her three children, Stephen "Jeri" Witham and his wife Shirley of Hendersonville, TN; her daughter, Janice Girgus of Gloucester, MA, daughter, Merianne Fisher and her Husband Greg of Fairhaven, MA; grandchildren, Jennifer Clark of Rockport, James Padre and his wife Jennifer of Gloucester, MA, and Tamara Fleming and her husband Brian of Gloucester, MA; great-grandchildren, Jessica DiLeo and her husband Nick, Noah and Amanda Padre, Nathaniel Clark, Lake, Elle, and Teyah Fleming and great-great-grandchildren, Issac and Mari DiLeo.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband George B. Witham; her sisters, Elizabeth "Lib" Gleason, Ruthie Barkhouse, Nancy Budrow, Harriet Witham, and her brothers, Herb Morse, John "Cackle" Morse, Dickie Morse, and Steve Morse; son-in-law, Gerald Girgus and her great-grand-daughter, Noelle Love Fleming.

Please join Mary's family for a celebration of life at The Pigeon Cove Circle, 6 Breakwater Ave, Rockport, on Saturday, February 24, from 1:00-4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Cape Ann Wildlife, P.O. Box 405, Essex, MA 01929 for their continued work with owls or online at www.caw2.orgArrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.