Grafton High scholarship named for Mary Pignataro

A scholarship named in memory of Mary Pignataro, wife of retiring Grafton High School Principal Jim Pignataro, has been established in the Grafton schools.

Mary Pignataro died on June 17 at age 63 after a battle with cancer. The Pignataros were married for 29 years and lived in Shrewsbury, where they raised their daughter, Anne Marie Martinez.

Her husband, Jim Pignataro, is retiring at the end of this month after 34 years at Grafton High School, starting as a social studies teacher before moving into administration. “Mr. Pig” has been principal since 2005.

“To Mary, her family was everything, they always came first in her life, no matter what,” her obituary on Legacy,com reads. “She was always ensuring they were taken care of and had the support and guidance they needed. She was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending vacations in Truro, her cats, Lighthouses, puzzles, cooking, especially during the holidays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which were her favorites. She was a long-time Town of Shrewsbury election official and a member of St Anne’s Church. By trade she was a devoted nurse who took great care of her patients with love and care. However, Mary’s true passion was being a mother. She was at every sporting event, dance recital,Girl Scout meeting and school event. Mary’s unwavering determination not to give up kept her grounded and helped her through life’s challenges to the end. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her infectious laugh and love for others will not be forgotten.”

The Mary Pignataro Memorial Scholarship Fund will be awarded to Grafton High School seniors who are entering a nursing or a medical health related field program in college. Checks should be mailed to: Grafton Municipal Center, 30 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519, Attention: Treasurer/Collector’s Office.