Mary Alice (Messana) Mercorelli (a.k.a. Grammy), 87, died Saturday, July 21, 2018, in Ashland, MA. Mary was born May 3, 1931, in Framingham, MA, the daughter of the late Francesco and Providenza Messana. She was the beloved wife of the late Silvio J. Mercorelli, who died in 1998. Mary was the loving mother of children Ann Marie Mercorelli, Kathy Hodgson and her husband George, Lisa Williams and her husband Ken, and Robert and his wife Stacy. Mary was the proud grandmother of Tyler and Jessica Williams, and Isabella and Sophia Mercorelli. She is survived by siblings Carol Carter, Nancy Roar, Eleanor Rogaishio, Eugene and Andrew; she was pre-deceased by Rose Loud, Dora Gurganis, Angie Young, and Joe. Mary graduated Framingham High School in 1949. She worked early on at Kresge 5 and 10, Dennison, and spent over 30 years at Ken's Steak House.

Mary was devoted to her family and was a friend to everyone she met. She brought laughter and a joy for life everywhere she went. Growing up, Tuesday's were her day off and she'd make the most of them. Mary would take her children on adventure to Nantasket Beach, Purgatory Chasm state park, Hampton Beach, the movies, ice skating, amusement parks, and Christmas lights at Fatima Shrine, to name a few. Every year she would make a lamb cake at Easter that continued to 2018; we will carry on this tradition in her memory. Mary always loved to host get-togethers for holidays, birthdays, special events, and any excuse to get people together. Food was a big part of the event, always with enough for twice the amount of people coming. The 'Feast of the Fishes' on Christmas Eve was an annual favorite. Mary's life was rich and full, bringing joy and laughter to so many. She filled every day with memories.

During her retirement, Mary was active with the Ashland Lions Club, Red Hat Society, and the Sons of Italy. Her energy was boundless whether it was doing things with her children, grandchildren, or friends. She enjoyed going to the gym at the Y in Framingham, attending tap and Zumba dance classes, aerobics, and bocci. She loved to go out for coffee with her friends, coordinate lunches and dinners, and just be active. One of her favorite pastimes was to go carousing on the weekends with her sister Carol and her husband Dick. They would jump in the car and drive to Maine, the Cape, Rhode Island - just about anywhere to have an adventure, get some lunch, find a new place to get an ice cream. There were no limits.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 25, from 4-7 PM at Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 26, at 10:00 a.m. St. Matthew Parish, 105 Southville Rd. Southborough, MA. Burial will follow at St. Tarcisius Cemetery in Framingham.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks, in memory of Mary, that you take a friend out for a cup of coffee, tell some stories, and share some laughs. Donations can be made to the Greater Ashland Lions Club, PO Box 41, Ashland, MA 01721