Mary Lou (Giggie) Nealley passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren on October 23, 2024. She was celebrated with laughter, tears and love. She was the fifth child of 7, born on March 15, 1932 in Patten, Maine to Bernice (Lloyd) and Theodore Giggie. As a young school girl, her dad moved the family to Monroe, where she spent the rest of her life.

Mary Lou married Lloyd Nealley and they worked side by side at their dairy and chicken farm, raising their four kids and teaching them the value of hard work and family. She was a fixture in the community, being active in her church and various committees in town. She was instrumental in the formation of MSAD 3 and she and her sister Neva were a driving force in establishing the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Monroe. She had a can do attitude. 

She was the organizer of fun, ready to plan the next event, especially the annual Friends and Family Weekend at the camp on Swan Lake. One of her favorites was celebrating Cinco de Mayo. We aren’t sure if it was the ethnic food, a reason to party, but most likely the margaritas. She began painting after trying a paint by number. From there, her artistry grew and shined, creating numerous scenic pictures.

She and Lloyd spent many winters in Zephyrhills, Florida but no place was more special to her than the camp compound at Swan Lake, nestled between three of her sister’s camps. Mary Lou was open minded, embraced uniqueness and diversity and was a strong advocate for her kids or grandkids no matter their offense. If you were blessed to know her, your life is better for it.

Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Lloyd; her siblings Edwin Giggie and wife Beau, Phyllis and husband Elwin Dickey, Ruth Epperson, Avis and husband Ralph Currier, and Theodore Giggie and brother-in-law Dale Moody. 

She is survived by her four children, Christine Nealley, Keith Nealley and wife Judy, Ken Nealley and significant other Marivi and Laurie  and husband Alfred Wren); her 9 grandchildren, Jamie, Caleb (Meagan), Kim (John), Kara, Erica (Jon), Brittany (Jeff), Mackenzie (Shay), Noah (Gabby) and Aven; and her 9 great grandchildren Zachary, Jacie, Kallie, Cam, Cooper, Ryder, Griffin, Noelle and another due in December. 

She is also survived by her brother-in-law Clyde Epperson and sisters-in-law Marie Giggie, Shirley Kinney (Bob) and June Wentworth and many nieces nephews and their children.

She will be deeply missed by her sister and best friend, Neva Moody.

At 3 p.m., have a cocktail in her memory.

Donations in Mary Lou’s name can be made to Monroe Community Church, P.O. Box 805, Monroe, ME 04951. 

A celebration of her life will held at a later date. 

Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.