Mary Agnes Gregoire

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Herman Gregoire in 1995. She resided in the last house that Herman built in Fir Grove near Silver Lake, Everett until 2012, when she moved to an independent living facility. From 2018 to 2025 she enjoyed the care and affection of Brookdale Memory Facility at Silver Lake.

Mary’s Parents Stanalaus and Agnes Majchrzak immigrated from Poland in spring of 1914, with support from their parents, who sensed the winds of war in Eastern Europe. Their journey included passenger ship from Hamburg, Germany to Ellis Island; to Chicago, and finally locating a farm, near Thompson ND. Mary was born on June 10, 1921, the fourth of nine children; five girls, four boys.

Her first twenty years was spent on a 600 acre farm, during the 1920-30’s, where she experienced the roaring 20’s and depression of the 1930’s. She described her memories of these years in a twenty-four page document, written in 1990’s, which she titled: “My Story”.

Mary’s parents created an environment of Polish Culture, hard work and religious beliefs. Extended family members, aunts and uncles provided a secondary support group, providing affection and direction for the Majchrzak Family. Mary and sisters were recruited by adjacent farm families to care for and educate their children. This experience became the foundation of her approach to life and directed her toward a career in education.

Having eight siblings, and being in the middle, provided her with a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships. Education was highly valued by the family, and she was motivated to be successful in her educational pursuits. Additionally, several teachers, encouraged her to continue her education beyond high school .

Graduating from high school in 1938, she moved to Chicago, to live with her older sister Frances, and secured a nanny position caring for a nine year old daughter of a wealthy Jewish business man, who was connected to the Chicago Polish Community. The family had an African American maid, with a life journey story, which had a significant impact on how Mary developed her interpersonal skills.

This experience further reinforced her desire to pursue a teaching degree. In 1939 Mary enrolled in Mayville Teachers College in North Dakota and secured her Teaching Certificate upon completion of student teaching in 1941.

A teaching position, in a one room rural school(1 to 6 grades), was secured in Fall of 1941, as world events evolved. Having known Herman Gregoire from teenage years, they got engaged and moved to Washington State in 1942, getting married June 10, 1942. She had to delay her teaching profession, for a few years, but it remained on her radar screen.

During the war years Mary was involved in starting a family, giving birth to 2 sons, Dennis and Michael, and working as ‘Rosie the Riveter’ on Boeing Airplanes.

As the boys reached school age, Mary enrolled them in the care and discipline of the Sisters of the Holy Names at Immaculate Conception in Everett. She got involved in Parents Club, and other school activities, along with Cub Scouts, which rekindled her passion for teaching. Consequently, she enrolled in some extension classes and began her ten- year journey back to the classroom.

In the 1950’s Herman had entered the Home Building Industry, and Mary provided support in financial management, and interior décor. These times were exciting and hectic, and resulted in many residential relocations. Mary observed that returning to her profession of teaching, could provide more economic stability, and more opportunities for the family. In 1953 she enrolled in the University Of Washington to secure a Teaching Degree. She graduated in 1956, at the age of 31, and began her career in the Marysville School District, retiring from Everett School District in 1984, after 25 years. Mary was passionate about teaching and was well known as a no-nonsense disciplinarian, very effective and well loved teacher.

In the first ten years of retirement, Mary and Herman volunteered for St Vincent De Paul and other activities at St Mary Magdalen Parish. Mary always had kind words of advice for those seeking services from St Vicent’s. She was well known for conveying her ‘depression’ era experiences, as she felt compelled to continue her education mission. The many social events of the Knights of Columbus, especially the ‘fish fry’ gatherings, provided numerous hours of companionship and camaraderie. This time- frame saw the arrival of five granddaughters, who were to be the recipients of Mary’s extensive wisdom and experience.

After Herman’s passing in 1995, Mary was fortunate to have a caring support network, which provided Mary with an opportunity to express her compassion and engaging personality, consisting of Catholic Daughters of America, Knights of Columbus, St Mary Magdalen Parish, Retired Teachers of America, and Bridge Groups.

Between 1995 and 2012 Mary dipped her toe into the world of Olympia Politics in her role as Mother in law to the Attorney General and then the Governor. This experience culminated with Mary’s 90th Birthday celebration at the Governor’s Manson, in June 2011. Additionally, during this time-frame Mary took a number of trips related to her heritage; including high school and family reunions in Thompson, ND, with her dream visit to her Parents home town of Daubra, Poland in 2001, acquiring sufficient experiences to convey stories to family members for the next 20 years.

In 2012 Mary decided that it was time to down size from her home and auto maintenance responsibilities and focus on playing bridge, and partaking in the social life of a senior community. She resided at Cascadian Place Independent Living Facility until 2018, then relocated to Brookdale Memory Care Facility, close to her home in Fir Grove. While at both facilities she continued to build relationships with residents and staff members with her curious nature, endearing people with her interest in their life story. This may have been linked to family members discovering “Mary’s 24 page Story” in her recent moves, and using that information as means of communicating with her. Mary established a special connection with the Brookdale staff as she participated in field trips, art projects, special holiday activities, and weekly bingo.

The remarkable feature of Mary’s last twenty years was the extensive support groups which provide activities and positive reinforcement of her life. These included neighbors, former students, fellow teachers, members of Saint Mary Magdalen, Immaculate Conception, and Lady of Hope Parishes, her former Bridge Players, and especially the love and affection of The Catholic Daughters of America.

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Stanislaus Majchrzak, who died July 20, 1951 (61) and mother Agnes (Krzystofiaks) Majchrzak, who died December 30, 1983 (95); brothers, Anthony, John, Stanley, and Walter; sisters, Anne Krantz and Frances Gioe.

Mary is survived by her two sons: Dennis Gregoire, wife Barbara Tennis: daughters; Meredith Tennis (Tristen Huie) and children Owen and Declan; Ellen Tennis (Michael Tribble) and children Joe, Kate, and Kwama; Laura Gomez (DJ Gomez) and Nina:

And son Michael Gregoire, wife Christine: daughters; Courtney Gregoire (Scott Lindsay) and daughters, Audrey and Alexa; Michelle Gregoire (Jeff Garrison), sons, Jack, Becket, and Hayden:

Two Sisters: Sophie Newberry, Cleveland NY; and Elizabeth McGurran, Grand Forks, ND.

Mary was laid to rest adjacent to Herman at Floral Hills Cemetery, Lynnwood, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Vincent de Paul 6424 Broadway, Everett, WA. or charity of your choice.