Mary L. (Wright) McEwan, 85, died peacefully on June 15, at Heritage Hall South after a period of declining health, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Springfield, Dec. 28, 1925 to George and Elizabeth Wright. Mary was a graduate of Springfield Trade High School. 

Mrs. McEwan was a professional singer and studied voice with Ruth Ekberg in Springfield. She enjoyed a long career as a choral singer and particularly as a soprano soloist in area churches including Hope Congregational Church in Springfield, and First Church of Christ, Congregational, Pittsfield, where Mary sang for many years as a soprano soloist with its Sanctuary Choir, appearing in oratorios and large choral works. She also sang as a soloist with the annual Messiah sing in Cummington, and presented many other solo recitals. She was also a member of the Early American Singing Society of Deerfield. 

Mary and her husband, Charles, purchased a cottage at 1 Washington Park (originally a cook tent) in the Martha’s Vineyard Methodist Camp Meeting Association in 1964, thanks to good friends from Putnam, Conn., who invited them to visit in prior years. Mary spent all of her summers there through 2007, enjoying many good times with friends and family until she became too ill to spend more than a week or two at her beloved cottage on Washington Park (now Victorian Park) in the last three years.

Summer drop-off at the cottage for Mary and their three children was in June, where they would stay until Labor Day. Carol, Charles and Holly had the time of their lives with Mom as the guiding light until Dad returned to join them. Mary and Charlie gave their family the gift of time. Family life was top notch. Swimming, having barbecues, gathering with friends, and traveling to different beaches and islands made summer a priceless adventure for the McEwans.

After Charlie’s unexpected death in 1990, Mary looked forward to summers joining dear friends on their respective porches for company, good conversation and catching up with the goings-on in the neighborhood. The Vineyard was home, full of good feelings, loving friends, beach picnics, entertaining company, playing cards, gardening, reading, baking, sewing to her heart’s content, taking long walks, being the best Grandma ever, and welcoming all to come and stay.

Singing was a priority to Mary. Music was her passion and she was devoted to it. Nothing would interfere with choir practice on Saturday mornings or Sunday church services at the Tabernacle with her choir friends. Wednesday night Community Sings were eagerly attended. An opportunity to sing in any capacity was always welcome. God bless all you wonderful, caring people who have crossed Mary’s path on Martha’s Vineyard and elsewhere.

Mary is predeceased by her devoted husband, the Rev. Charles E. McEwan, and survived by her loving children, Carol D. Orr and husband, Robert Charles S. McEwan and wife, Patricia, Holly J. Krenmayer and husband, Richard; beloved grandchildren Christina Olson, Richard J. Krenmayer, Melissa Orr, Nicholas C. Krenmayer and Charles McEwan; and great-granddaughter, Dana Leah Olson.

A service to celebrate her life will be held July 29, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Whately, 177 Chestnut Plain Road in Whately The service will be led by Rev. Steven A. Small, a longtime friend and musical collaborator. Lou Steigler, Minister of Music Emeritus at First Church in Pittsfield, will be organist. Frances Hsieh will be violinist.

Donations may be made in her memory to the First Congregational Church of Whately for the Renovated Pipe Organ Fund, c/o Virginia Allis, Box 2, Whately, MA 01093.

Arrangements are under the care of Wrisley Funeral Home in South Deerfield.