Mary Louise Grier

Mary Louise Grier, 83, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at home. Born in Syracuse on Sunday, August 5, 1928, she was the daughter of John A. Wachna and Mary Macko Wachna. She lived in Camillus since 1954. Mary Louise was a graduate of Syracuse Central High School and attended Syracuse University, where she studied voice with Leora McChesney Fougeray. She retired in 1989 after 24 years with the NY Telephone Co. A communicant of Holy Family Church, she was a member and officer of the Altar and Rosary Society, taught religious education and sang with the choir of Holy Family Church and St. Patrick's Church. She was a member of the Red Cross Blood program and Telephone Pioneers of America. She volunteered for Catholic Medical Missions and was a mentor at Ed Smith School. Mary Louise loved spending time with her family, especially in the Adirondacks and New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Mary Louise was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, George D. Grier in 2005; and her beloved brothers, George and John Wachna. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Steven Grier Middleton of Jamesville; sons and daughter-in-law, John of Antioch, Illinois and Brian and Susan of Baldwinsville; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Sean, Lauren, Steven and Ryan; sister-in-law, Nancy (Norm) Gerber of Webster and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends may call Monday, July 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 31 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Mary Louise will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairmount Community Library 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219 or to Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.