Greenfield, MA – Mary Carolyn Brasher Williford, 81, died at home in Greenfield Massachusetts the morning of Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Following a surprise diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer the last week of January 2026, Mary declared “I’m not worried, I’m not scared.” She chose to be comfortable at home, instead of pursuing aggressive treatment.
Born October 23, 1944 in Newport Rhode Island, she was a Navy brat. A 1966 graduate of Southeast Missouri State College, she was a teacher, social worker, zookeeper at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, weaver, basket maker, and sensory profiler, Board chair of the Greenfield Council on Aging, member of the Building Committee for the new Greenfield Senior Center, lover, mother, sister, and friend. Her final lessons will be her courage at the end and through her body donation to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. A teacher again.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert (Bob) Williford, son Christopher (Katia) of Montague, sister Sharon Brasher of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, and grandchildren Emmet and Stella Williford. She was preceded in death by son Sean David Williford and her parents, William and Margaret Brasher of Horseshoe Bend.
In gratitude for the audiobooks from the Perkins Library, which let her continue to enjoy reading and participating in the Book Chat group at the Greenfield Senior Center as her vision failed, the family encourages donations in Mary’s memory to the Perkins School for the Blind, Development Office, 175 N Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472, or online at Perkins.org/Donate.
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