Mary R. Welle

Mary Rose (Bianco) Welle, 87, of 243 Church St. North Adams, died Saturday evening, August 30th, 2008, at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield. She was born in Harlenville, New York on January 8, 1921, a daughter of the late Raffaele and Maria Rose (Mancuso) Bianco. She moved to Pittsfield as a child with her family, and attended Pittsfield Schools, graduating from Pittsfield High School. In 1955, she became the first married woman to be admitted to the former Bishop Memorial School of Nursing at Pittsfield General Hospital, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. Mrs. Welle worked for most of her career as a registered nurse at several military hospitals, including Walter Reed Army Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland; the Chelsea (MA) Veterans Hospital, and Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, where she worked for many years. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She enjoyed the great outdoors , creating stained glass, and the arts. She enjoyed ballroom dancing, and took part in several ballroom dancing competitions. Her former husband, John M. Welle, died June 12, 2000. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Allen of North Adams; 1 Son, Frank Welle of Townsend, Washington; 1 brother, Peter Bianco of Clearwater, Florida; 2 sisters, Margaret Marby of Pittsfield, and Tessie Viscuso of LaJolla, California; 3 Grandchildren, John Welle, Brian McNeil and Scott McNeil; 1 Great Granddaughter, Amelia Welle, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews. She was predeceased by 3 brothers, Frank Bianco, John Bianco and Peter Bianco; and by a sister, Elizabeth Lynch. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 6th, at 11:00 AM in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Marshall St. North Adams, celebrated by Rev. William F. Cyr, Pastor of the Catholic Parishes of North Adams. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Pittsfield, through the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, which is in charge of arrangements.

Mary R. Welle

January 8, 1921 - August 30, 2008