Mary Gangemi, 92

Mary Elizabeth Gangemi ( Morrissey) 92, of Williamstown, MA passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28th 2023 surrounded by family in her home in Williamstown, MA. Mary was born in North Adams, MA, daughter of the late Edward Michael and Agnes Grace (Denney) Morrissey. Mary was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, J. Marvin Gangemi in 2021.

Mary was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School and St. Luke’s Nursing College, and generously provided healthcare for every community she lived in. Early in her career, Mary served as a personal nurse for numerous clients in the Berkshire community, most notably, Robert Sterling Clark, founder of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. Mary was the Health Services Coordinator and clinical nurse in the Student Health and Wellness Services Center at Williams College from 1975 to 1997. Mary’s nursing skills and kind heart were greatly appreciated at Williams where she built life-long friendships with many of the students and faculty she served.

Mary will be remembered for her generosity and hospitality. In the 1960s, she and her husband Marvin founded Camp Tamarack in Florida, MA which they operated for 20 years, welcoming youth from surrounding communities to experience the joys of the outdoors and develop lifelong friendships. Their legacy continues at the Manice Education Center which provides NYC youth with leadership and environmental experiences.

In 1984, she and Marvin started a successful bed and breakfast at Steep Acres Farm, which became a gathering place for Williams College alumni, Williamstown Theater actors and visitors from all over the world. Mary was renowned for her cooking, had a number of recipes published, and received a feature for her “Baked French Toast” in Bon Appetit Magazine.

 Mary loved to travel and frequently visited her children and grandchildren across the country. Mary and Marvin also went on numerous international trips exploring the food and traditions of other countries.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and friend who loved gathering with her large extended family, and expansive group of close friends. She married James Marvin Gangemi in 1953 and they raised a family of six children as well as a host of dogs and farm animals. Mary is survived by her, son Daniel Gangemi of Sarasota, FL, daughter Sarah Bardo and husband Seth of Stamford, VT, daughter Johanna Gangemi of Gold Hill, CO, son John Gangemi and wife Robin Bissell of Columbia Falls, MT, son Tony Gangemi and wife Dabney Langellier of Whitefish, MT, and daughter Mary Kate Bronder and husband Michael of Andover, MA. Mary is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Marvin, and her sister Sheila Brothers (Morrissey).

A celebration of life will be announced in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name at Hospice Care in the Berkshires (https://hcib.org/support-hospice-care-berkshires/) or to Christadora and the Manice Education Center (https://secure.givelively.org/donate/christodora-inc). To add to the book of memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.