Marjorie Richardson Greendale

Holliston-Marjorie Richardson Greendale, 92, died March 25, 2006 in Holliston with family at her side. She was born in Colebrook, NH September 4, 1913, the daughter of Archie and Elizabeth (Hill) Richardson.

She left the rural farm life for Bay Path Junior College in Springfield MA and a career as a secretary. After graduating, she met and married Horace Greendale who died in 1990. She lived in Wilbraham, MA from 1936 until 2000 when she moved to Holliston to be close to family. During WWII, while her husband served in the Navy, she went to work at Monsanto Company in Springfield and rose through the ranks to become a highly-respected Executive Secretary. A strong advocate for women’s rights far before it was popular, she was a pioneer by example.

Marjorie and Horace had two children, John Hill and Jean Ellen, both now residents of Holliston. They remember vividly the times their mother took them swimming or golfing encouraging them to share her love of golf, bowling and physical activity. Until just a few years ago, she would routinely play 18 holes of golf as often as possible. Besides her children and former daughter-in-law Mary, she leaves two grandsons: John and his wife Rosanna and their children Joey and Carolyn of Natick, and Alan and his wife Elizabeth of Holliston and their children Jeff, Alan and Jake, and great grandson Jordan, grandson of Jean. Arrangements are being handled by Chesmore Funeral Home in Holliston. There will be a graveside service on Wednesday March 29, 2006 11:00 a.m. at the Woodland Dell Cemetery in Wilbraham with a reception following, hosted by the Eastern Star Chapter. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to charities of choice.

Her family will remember her as devoted to her family, feisty, sharp, energetic, and a fast driver. Her father had raced cars as a young man and taught her how to drive. At 87, she was stopped by a police officer on Highland Street for passing in a no-passing zone. Her explanation was that “some old guy in front of me was going 15 miles per hour.”