Mary Lee Brown Moore Galloway of Hamden, serenely passed Dec. 30, 2012 at her home surrounded with her loving daughters by her side. She was the widow of Cornell Galloway, Sr.
Born on September 6, 1937 in Greenville, NC, she was the daughter of the late Robert L. Brown and Nancy J. Mooring Brown. Mary was educated in the New Haven public school system. She was an entrepreneurial pioneer of businesses and real estate who maintained a strong belief in empowering African American women with the necessary tools to be both independent and successful through business and family.
In 1968, she opened her first business, Arco service station at the intersection of Elm and Orchard St., in New Haven, CT. She then ventured into her first chain of grocery stores two years later beginning with The Neighborhood Grocery Store, followed by Cornell and Sons, Mary's variety store, and M & V's Cash and Carry, all while becoming a stable investor in the real estate market.
Throughout the rest of her life, Mary never shied away from other business ventures and through it all Ms. Mae remained both blessed and triumphant! Through the years Mary received the most compassionate and sensitive skilled nursing services from Maria Takata, RN, and for that her daughter Vanessa is eternally grateful. Her infectious smile will be greatly missed by all those who loved and knew her.
She is survived by daughters, Ms. Vanessa Moore whose hand she was holding during her transition and Doniesha Golette, both of Hamden, CT. She is also survived by siblings, Dorothy McNeil and Geraldine Denby both of Hamden CT, and Lula Woodson, Martha Connors and Ronald Brown of New Haven, CT; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was predeceased her first husband Lewis M. Moore; children, Annie Brown, Kevin Mark Moore, Kendall Brown Moore and Cornell Galloway Jr.; siblings, Pearline Brown Moore, Helen Louise Brown Durham, Donald Brown, and David Brown.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013 at 12:00 P.M. at St. Matthew's UFWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Viewing will be held at the church from 11-12 p.m. She will be laid to rest with a graveside service on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Beverdale Memorial Park, in her family plot.
Online guestbook available atwww.curvinkcouncil.com
