Published January 10, 2020
WINCHESTER – Mary Altah (Walters) Wallace, 84, of Winchester, formerly of Melrose, Thompson, Conn., and St. Petersburg, Fla., passed away peacefully on December 18, 2019 after a brief illness.
Beloved wife of the late Albert W. Wallace. Cherished mother of Jennifer Wallace and her husband Gerald Sniegocki of Melrose, Geoffrey Wallace and his wife Emelia of Danielson, Conn., Mary Anne Fontaine and her husband Brian of Thompson, Conn., and Jamie Wallace and his wife Barbara of North Grosvenordale, Conn. Proud grandmother to Abigail and Sophie Sniegocki, Titus and Ibrahim Kamara, and Samuel and Elizabeth Fontaine.
Devoted sibling to Nancee Clark, Clyde J. Walters and his wife Ellon, the late Kenneth Walters, and the late Mildred White, all of St. Petersburg, Fla. Also survived by her many friends, extended family, and wonderful caregivers at Winchester Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Joan Tamburrini of Reading.
Mary had a long career as a dental assistant, respiratory therapist, and pre-school teacher. Her strong work ethic and commitment to lifelong learning served as a model for her children and grandchildren. She proudly accepted her degree in Early Childhood Education from Worcester State College in 1982 at the age of 52.
Mary will be remembered for her quick wit, love of family, and strength and resilience through multiple health challenges. She was always up for fun and adventure. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She was a role model for a life well lived.
Memorial services were held on Saturday, January 4, at the First Congregational Church, 121 West Foster Street, Melrose, https://fccmelrose.org. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date at Sunnyside Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name may be made to Mystic Valley Elder Services https://www.mves.org/ways-to-give/. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
