Mary Ann Marchefka
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Mary Ann Marchefka, 55, passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 27, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after a period of declining health. Mary was born in Greenfield on June 23, 1965 and spent most of her life in Franklin County, apart from a brief time in her youth in Island Pond, Vermont before returning to the area in the mid -1980's and ultimately living out her final years in the family home on Barton Road.
Mary took the path less-traveled in life and overcame a number of challenges to earn her general education equivalency and an associate's degree from Greenfield Community College. In 1989, Mary met Jim Woitkiewicz, the love of her life and they enjoyed a nearly 33-year love affair.
Mary is survived by her life partner, Jim Woitkiewicz of Greenfield, her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Johnson, her husband Shawn, and her grandchildren Kaylah and Cole Johnson of Alstead, NH, a sister Dianne Marchefka Ellis and husband Steven Ellis and their children Liam and Chloe Ellis, in addition, to uncles, aunts and extended family members. Mary was predeceased by her brother Michael John Marchefka, and parents Carl Marchefka and Phyllis Marchefka.
One of Mary's single greatest accomplishments was being a mother to her daughter Mary Elizabeth. From watching her play softball as a child, to traveling to take part in her wedding on Grand Cayman Island, watching her raise two wonderful children of her own, to seeing her successes as a business owner, real estate agent, entrepreneur and mother in a home that she and Shawn built in New Hampshire, all brought Mary great joy and filled her with pride.
While Mary held a number of positions in her life time, she enjoyed simple pursuits outside of work the most: berry picking, backyard barbeques, managing her household, completing crossword and Sudoku puzzles, listening to classic rock, selling stuff on E-Bay, watching soap operas, professional football, and more. She enjoyed the trips that she and Jim were able to take over the years to Florida, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico and to the ocean. She had a fighting spirit, was not short on opinions, and remained true to who she was throughout her life.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." In the end, Mary truly knew love and was loved, and that's about all she ever asked for. In keeping with her wishes, a Celebration of Life Ceremony and gathering of family and friends will be held at the Greenfield home later this year. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home, 14 High Street, Greenfield.