Mary Barthello Obituary

Mary Graham Barthello was born a fraternal twin to Edward and Eva Graham in Holyoke, Massachusetts, 1932. She and her twin brother Leo were the second born in a family of six children.

Mary's father passed away at the young age of 42, leaving her and younger siblings to develop an ethic of independence and self sufficiency. This while the oldest son served in the Navy during WWII. These traits served her well as she adjusted to relocations and separations during her husband's military career. Adjustments were made while never skipping a beat as mother to five children. At various locations, Mary was a volunteer in the Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

A favorite sport was ice skating, taught at an early age by her father. That time skating remained some of her fondest memories of him. Over the years, she donned skates whenever possible until a fall in her 70's left her with a broken wrist. A son-in-law claimed she fell while checking an opponent in a hockey match.

Mary had a love for children that extended beyond that of her own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America she sought out the youngest who were socially withdrawn, or those who needed behavioral counseling to fit in with others. Her charitable donations favored organizations caring for children with disabilities.

In Marc's military and corporate careers, he held senior executive positions that included overseas assignments. In those executive career assignments Mary reached out to other wives to help create a sense of belonging that contributed to unit cohesion. On Marc's corporate selection for assignment to Korea, she quickly adapted to the American and foreign business and diplomatic communities. At a farewell event on completing the assignment, the U.S. ambassador declared that Mary was the "best hostess in Seoul".

Wherever and whatever Marc's professional position, Mary's nature was to engage others and create relationships that were caring, natural and sincere. These qualities carried forward to their retirement where Mary quickly made new friends and a reputation for hosting culinary and memorable social gatherings that filled an empty space in the community. She will long be remembered by many friends and family.

Mary Barthello is survived by her husband Marc as well as four of her children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.