Mary (Grealish) Parnow

Mary (Grealish) Parnow

Died August 22, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Born December 10,1922 in San Francisco to Martin J. and Mary J. (Carr) Grealish of County Galway, Ireland. Pre-deceased by her parents and her brothers Joseph M. Grealish (1924), Admiral James V. Grealish (2013) and John (Jack) F. Grealish (2015). Also pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 52 years Theodore (Ted) F. Parnow (1999).

Raised in Eureka Valley in San Francisco, graduated from Most Holy Redeemer Grammar School, Immaculate Conception Academy and Bradbury Business College.

Worked in War Activities Division of Pacific Bell during WWII and was present at signing of the United Nations Charter at the War Memorial Open House in 1945.

She married Ted in 1947. After a short stint in Quincy, CA and San Francisco they settled in the home they built in the very special Marinda Oaks neighborhood in Fairfax, CA in 1955 where they lived the rest of their lives. They were founding parents of St. Rita's school in Fairfax with many other Fairfax parents who became life long friends. She spent the next 21 years raising her sons involved with church, school, sports, scouts, community activities and Altar Sacristan at St. Rita's church for over 50 years. Mary returned to work in 1970 at Marin General Hospital in the Human Resources Department, retiring in 1983.

Her retirement years were spent with her husband traveling, golfing, volunteering, but mostly enjoyed time with their wonderful grandchildren as they grew into fine adults as well as their many wonderful old and dear friends. She was fortunate to live long enough to welcome her 10 precious great grandchildren.

Survived by her four sons and their wives, James (Julie), Michael (Karen), Thomas (Lisa) and Greg; her six special grandchildren Jimmy (Megan), Matthew (Kristin), Stephanie (David), David (Kassie), Stacey (Raymond) and Malea (Pace). Also blessed with ten great grandchildren, Madison, Matthias, Cooper, Peyton, Emerson, Declan, Brady, Evelyn,Samuel and Indira.

She also leaves her sister-in-law Jean Grealish (Jim) and Patricia Grealish (Jack) as well as many caring nieces and nephews in the Grealish and Parnow families and many dear neighbors and friends including her life long friend Mary Jane Ryan.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, August 30th 11AM at Saint Rita's Catholic Church in Fairfax. Private Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in San Rafael.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Carmelite Monastery of SF or Hospice by the Bay in Marin.

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