Mary Lou (Leary) Greene

Visiting hours will be held Friday (Nov 14) morning from 10-12 PM at the Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home 22 Oak Street Hyde Park with a service at the funeral home starting at 12:00.  Interment at Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park, relatives and friends invited.

Mary Lou Greene, known affectionately as Mary Lou by those who loved her, passed away peacefully in her home in Hyde Park, MA, surrounded by her loving family on November 6, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on February 8, 1932, in Boston, MA. Mary Lou was the cherished daughter of the late Iola Louise (Samuels) and William F. Leary. She was the beloved wife of the late William H. Greene, a proud BFD engine 14 firefighter and a US Navy Korean War Veteran, who predeceased her in 1973.   Mary Lou was predeceased  by her brother the late Donald F. Leary  former Naval Attaché to the embassy in the Dominican Republic and his late wife Vivian.  She was predeceased by her sons William J. Greene and Michael J. X. Greene. Mary Lou was the devoted mother of Donna F. Devin and her husband Thomas of Hyde Park.  

Mary Lou was the adored "Grammy" to Kerry Ann Greene, William F. Greene, Michael Tyrrell, Katelyn Tyrrell, and Erin Greene. She was also a proud great-grammy to Layla, Abby, Liam, Tanner, Tillie, Tessa, AJ, Scarlett, and Marlo. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through her many nieces, nephews, and friends who survive her.

A Hyde Park High School graduate from the class of 1949, Mary Lou began her working life in Downtown Boston at the Women's Club on Beacon hill with various positions until she found her calling as a Switchboard operator. She was a switchboard operator for the New England Telephone, and Boston Lying In Hospital before dedicating her time to raising her family. After the loss of her husband, she returned to the workforce, becoming the Main Switchboard Operator at Boston City Hall for twenty-two years. Her commitment to her community continued with another fifteen years at the switchboard of Dedham Medical after her retirement.  Mary Lou  treated each call as a new adventure. 

In addition to her professional endeavors, Mary Lou was a pillar of her community. She was a former Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, as well as a Cub Scout leader for Pack 2. Her competitive spirit shone through as part of the bowling team with the St. Joseph's Church crew, and her dedication to youth sports was evident in her role on the board of the Hyde Park Junior Athletic Association, where she continued the legacy of her father, who once served as President. Mary Lou was also the Welcome Wagon Hostess for newcomers to Hyde Park

Mary Lou's social engagements were broad and meaningful, including her 17-year association with the Boston Council of Boy Scouts. She was also a respected member of the Boston Fire Brigade and the Boston Police Emerald Society. Her love for her family was unparalleled, and she was always the life of the party, especially during the holidays, which she enjoyed with her children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors.

Her adventurous spirit led her to travel, with memorable trips such as visiting Disneyland with Rex Trailer, Florida, North Carolina, New Hampshire, LA to the Ellen Show, New York, New Jersey, and  Pennsylvania to name a few. Mary Lou shared fond memories of roller-skating in her teenage years. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and various small time gambling outings.

Her passing wish: Happy Memories I leave when life is done

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