Marie Wholley

Marie Frances Wholley, 87, died peacefully on September 13, 2011 at the Rosenthal Hospice Residence in Stamford, surrounded by family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Norman Leo Wholley, six children, and 11 grandchildren.

Marie was born in Boston, the daughter of William J. Orvitt and Lucy McNaughton Orvitt, and sister of William Orvitt, who predeceased her. She graduated as president of her senior class at J.E. Burke High School and attended Emmanuel College in Boston before graduating from Boston Teachers College, now the University of Massachusetts. Marie taught elementary school for more than 20 years, both before she started a family and when her children were grown, in Stamford. Marie’s gift for understanding and motivating children made her a natural teacher, a profession about which she was passionate.

Family and faith meant most to Marie. She raised six children: David (wife Peggy) of Upper Montclair, NJ, Paul (wife Alicia), of Brentwood, TN., William, (wife Susan), of Little Silver, NJ, Mark (partner Emily) of Wollaston, MA, Mary (husband Dana) of Trumbull, CT. and Brendan , (wife Lisa) of Fairport, NY She was also the cherished “Nana” to James, Eamonn and Julian Wholley (David), Meredith and Grace Wholley (Paul), Michael and Kathleen Wholley (William), Liam and Margaret Pierce (Mary), and Meghan and Elizabeth Wholley (Brendan). Marie’s caring presence, her wit and sense of humor, and her winning ways with children were a hallmark of holidays in Stamford and summers at Norm and Marie’s home on Martha’s Vineyard where their large family gathered each year.

Marie also believed in sharing herself with others. Despite the demands of family and career, Marie volunteered throughout her life, especially through her religious faith. For many years she served as a CCD teacher at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Stamford, at St. Catherine’s Church, Riverside, and at St. Leo’s Roman Catholic Church in Stamford, where she also served as a Eucharistic minister and was a long-time parishioner. She was also involved with Meals on Wheels, the local soup kitchen, and Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Southwestern Connecticut. Marie volunteered at the Smith House Health Care Center in North Stamford, and was a member of the Stamford Women’s Club.

Marie and Norm were life-long learners. After retirement they traveled widely with Elderhostel, to Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and the American Southwest, as well as taking many enrichment classes at Edgehill senior living community, where they settled several years ago. Marie could recite Shakespearean sonnets, poetry and song throughout her life. She will be sadly missed by her family.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation hours at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 16. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo Church, 24 Roxbury Rd., Stamford on Saturday, September 17 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford. Donations in Marie’s name may be sent to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Southwestern Connecticut at www.vnhcsw.org.