Mary Frances Brockway

Mary Frances Gauthier McShane Brockway, better known as Granmary,

passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at her home.

She was 89 years old.

Born February 21, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the youngest of seven children to Clarence Albert and Mayme (Scalise) Gauthier.

Mary is survived by her sister, Patricia Gauthier Baltutat, seven children, Thomas McShane Jr., Kathy Adams, Suzan Gross, Michelle Young, Michael McShane, Mary Alptekin and Theresa McShane-Biggs; 16 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren (a 4th is on the way) and a host of nieces, nephews and their children, who, together with her pet companion, Buddy, all miss her deeply and cherish her memory.

Mary was a graduate of Marywood Academy and Michigan State University where she obtained a degree in Speech Therapy.

Mary was first wed to Thomas McShane, father of her seven children, in July 1956.

She married Brian Brockway in 1984.

Mary was a dedicated mother and a woman of great activity.  She enjoyed sports, such as tennis, as well as daily walks.  She loved to cook and passed on the lessons she had learned from her mother to her children and friends. Her baking skills made her famous amongst the children.  She showed her artistic skills in her crafting. Knitting and crochet gave her peace of mind. Her handmade quilts are treasured works of love that she gave to each of her children and grandchildren.

Mary was active in her Christian faith.  She was a member of the St. Nicholas parish in Gig Harbor, WA for 18 years, attended mass daily, served on numerous committees and participated in various charitable functions. She loved babies and for years donated countless hand-made bibs, stuffed animals, and Christmas stockings to the CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center in Gig Harbor.

A memorial service will take place at 10:00am on Monday, June 5th at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 3510 Rosedale St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 with a reception to follow from 11:00am-2:00pm at the Inn at Gig Harbor, 3211 56th St. NW.

She would never ask, however, any who wish to remember her for her kindness and love, can follow her example by donating time or support to CareNet carenetps.org
 or a similar organization in your community.

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