Mary Frances Massengill

With deep sorrow and gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Frances Massengill, on December 12, 2024, at the age of ninety-four. She was surrounded by her loving family as she entered the eternal peace of the Lord. Born on August 12, 1930, in Bakerton, Pennsylvania, Mary was the youngest of four children born to parents who immigrated from Italy, Nicola and Francesca Antonuccio. Tragically, she lost her mother at the age of 12, a loss that deeply shaped her early life and instilled in her a profound sense of strength and resilience. Raised in a home that valued faith, family, and hard work, she carried these values with her throughout her life. Mary was working at the Bureau of Navy Personnel in Cleveland, Ohio, when she agreed to a date with a young sailor, Franklin Delano Massengill, from Durham, North Carolina. It was a New Year’s Eve gala that neither would ever forget. In August of 1958, Mary married the love of her life, Frank, who went on to a distinguished twenty-six-year career in the United States Navy. Over the course of their 55 years of marriage, they moved 26 times as Frank served in various military postings, and Mary embraced each new chapter with grace and strength. She raised their two sons, Nick and Frank, often during unaccompanied deployments, and became the anchor of their family. In December of 2013, Frank passed away, leaving a void in her heart that she carried for the remainder of her life. Her faith remained her guiding light, and she found comfort knowing that she would one day be reunited with the love of her life. A woman of profound Christian faith and a devout Catholic, Mary enjoyed serving God and others in various jobs and assignments within her parish and various communities. Her faith and commitment to prayer were the cornerstone of her life. She was known for her warm personality, compassion, unwavering love, and her welcoming smile. She truly did not believe in strangers. Mary was a constant source of support, wisdom, and love to her children, grandchildren, and friends. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her as “get on the floor” Nanny, always ready for a “tea party” or a “dress-up” game. She was also not afraid to earn your love with her amazing skills as a cook. She was cherished not only for her strength but also for her boundless love. Mary is survived by her two sons, Nick Massengill (and wife Angela) of Marietta, and Frank Massengill (and wife Cindy Merrick) of Johns Creek; her grandchildren, Mary Eliza George of Atlanta, William Massengill (and wife Justine) of Atlanta, John Massengill of Sacramento, California, and Kate Massengill of New York City; and her great-grandchildren, Madeleine, Liam, Emilia and Henry. She is preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Delano Massengill, and her parents, Francesca and Nicola Antonuccio. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta, on December 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM, where we will honor her memory. A private burial at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton will be scheduled at a later date. Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tranquility Hospice Care at Kennesaw Mountain, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tn.

Mary Frances Massengill

August 12, 1930 - December 12, 2024