Mary Inez “Chickie” Lemay

Mary Inez “Chickie” Lemay, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Casa de Ramana in Framingham, MA, after several years of outrunning the ravages of Alzheimer’s. While she lived most of her life in Framingham, Chickie was a true daughter of the South, exuding poise, grace, and charm until the last of her days. Her laugh was infectious, and her warmth enveloped everyone she knew.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 57 years, Albert Leon “Bud” Lemay, December 5, 1931 – June 17, 2014.

Chickie was born May 23, 1933, in Pensacola, FL, the daughter of the late Mary Inez (Mann) and (Ret.) Brig. Gen Peter P. Schrider. She and her two younger brothers, who put the “brat” in military brats, grew up on bases in Florida, California, and Virginia. Her family, including her cherished maternal grandmother, crammed into a car, suitcases strapped to the roof, a block of ice jammed into a window with the dog hanging out, would travel across country from one post to the next. Their arrival never failed to impress. Chickie worshiped her father, an accomplished aviator, and Legion of Merit recipient for his service in Pacific Theatre Operations during WW II. He was a real hero-figure and a profound influence. He taught her that all people, regardless of origin, station, rank, or proclivity, deserve respect and equality. Chickie lived those lessons throughout her life as she invested deeply in people and easily cultivated friendships.

Chickie graduated from Quantico Post High School, claiming that reunions were held in a phone booth. In 1954, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from University of Kentucky, where she spent some of her happiest years. She pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma, her sorority sisters then sisters for life. Shortly after her graduation, her father retired from the Marine Corps and relocated his family to Greenwich, CT. It was there she met a dashing former college athlete, who had recently moved to Stamford, CT. The lovely southern belle fell hard for the Harvard man who hailed from Nashua, NH. What he lacked in finesse, he made up for in brains and brawn. Despite her mother’s trepidation about his northern lineage, Chickie married Bud in June 1957.

After a brief stint in Bangor, ME, where Chickie feared the mosquitoes might carry off her firstborn, she and Bud moved to Framingham, calling the town their home for over 60 years. Chickie balanced her career as a homemaker with myriad volunteer endeavors. A founding member of the Danforth Museum of Art and a lifetime member of the Framingham History Center, she served on the Framingham Union Aid Association Board for decades, forming treasured friendships, chairing countless events, volunteering thousands of hours to the hospital. For several years, she managed the Pumpkin Seed Gift Shop at the MetroWest Medical Center, proud that proceeds funded the FUAA’s grant program.

An avid sports fan, devoted to the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics, Chickie bled blue for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. While Bud was noted for his tennis abilities, she was considered an “enthusiastic” player. Both were early and long-standing supporters of Sudbury River Tennis Club. She and Bud took up golf later in life and she delighted in besting him on Sunday mornings at Millwood, the sole female in their standing foursome.

Chickie excelled at bridge, while Bud held his own. Partners early on, his competitive spirit ultimately drove their opponents into hiding. Chickie then discovered duplicate bridge and played in American Contract Bridge League tournaments for years, finding lasting friends among fellow bridge enthusiasts. She achieved her Life Masters in 2010.

Chickie was known for her artistry, her incredible taste, and her understated elegance. She had an abiding sense of occasion and was the consummate hostess. Sentimental and attuned to aesthetics, she would create magic with beautiful vignettes, sparkling silver, and exquisitely wrapped gifts.

Devout and ever faithful, Chickie was a member of St. Bridget Parish for over sixty years, attending daily Mass every Lenten season. “Honey” to her grandchildren, she considered them the most wonderful of blessings, reveling in all that they did. Their biggest cheerleader, she was always in the stands, on the sidelines or in the audience, never missing a performance, game, or match. Totally objective, she knew with certainty that all five were all destined for greatness.

Chickie leaves her daughter, Linda (Ray Williams) of Framingham and son, Peter (Nancy) of Brookline, NH; five beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Jared and Michelene Lemay, and Lara and Jasmine Williams; several adored nieces and nephews; her closest and most devoted friend, Sandra Silverman; and the Silver Station, past and present. She was predeceased by many she held dear; her brothers Peter P. and Patrick L. Schrider; her in-laws whom she considered sisters and brothers; her nephew David Bourn; her nieces Tana Prestipino, Inez Schrider, Lori (Kroll) Bourn, Joan (Prestipino) Cappetta, and Mary Beth (Lemay) Morrison, all lost much too soon; and friends too many to name. Those who remain, please know how precious you were to her.

Chickie was loving and much loved. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Casa de Ramana and Good Shepherd Hospice. We are forever grateful for the excellent care she received at the end of her life.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, on Saturday, September 28, at St. Bridget Church, 830 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham; reception to follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beach Street, Framingham, www.nortonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Danforth Art Museum and Art School https://thedanforth.org/ or to the Alzheimer’s Association https://act.alz.org/