Marie Greak

Marie Greak, 89, a resident of Village Lane, passed away February 26, 2016 at Brookdale at the Village at Fillmore Pond. Marie was born in the Bronx, NY on April 23, 1926 the daughter of the late Michele and Maddalena (Costello) Cautillo.Marie grew up in a large family in the Bronx near the New York Botanical Garden, Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo. The Garden was her childhood refuge and she developed a keen appreciation for nature and gardening. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended City College. She began her career working for B. Altman & Co in the accounting department enjoying the fashion, theater and atmosphere of Manhattan! Marie met Edward while on vacation, married, and together, built their home in "the country" an hour north of the city. She continued to work as a bookkeeper/accountant for several companies until retiring in her late 60's from Silver, Forrester and Schisano, a Newburgh, NY law firm, to care for her husband. Marie loved to garden, producing prolific quantities of vegetables and cultivating beautiful flowers. Together and with the family, they enjoyed skiing, foreign movies, dining out, music, hiking, visiting cultural and historic sites and many other activities. Marie lived at Idlewild Creek senior apartments in Cornwall, NY after selling her home. She was active in TOPS, serving as their treasurer for almost 30 years and volunteered at health fairs and events fostering good nutrition. She belonged to a bowling team, swam regularly and became an avid Yankee fan again. Marie especially loved her grand dogs and was amused by her grand cat. Last year, after experiencing some major health issues, she left the Mid- Hudson Valley and moved to Fillmore Pond Assisted Living in Bennington, VT.She enjoyed a panoramic view from her apartment there, able to see the sunrise and sunset over the mountains. Marie made fast friends with other residents and staff and was able to participate in many activities. She flourished in the caring environment there and from her family until the past 3 months when her health deteriorated. Hospice helped to provide comfort in her final weeks.Marie is survived by daughters Madelene Knaggs and her husband Michael of New Windsor, NY and Elizabeth Greak and her wife Barbara Comer of Manchester Center, VT, brother Nicholas Cautillo and his wife Nina of Florida and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward who passed away April 20, 1995.A mass of christian death and burial will be celebrated Friday March 4, 2016 at 11am at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Cornwall, NY. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Washigtonville, NY. There are no visiting hours. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Marie's memory may be made to the New York Botanical Gardens or the Alzheimers Association, c/o Brewster & Shea Funeral Service P.O. Box 885 Manchester Center, VT 05201. A mass of christian death and burial will be celebrated Friday March 4, 2016 at 11am at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Cornwall, NY. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Washigtonville, NY. There are no visiting hours.