Mary Greenleaf (Longfellow)

Mary Longfellow was the sixth child of Stephen and Zilpah Longfellow of Portland. She was born in the Wadsworth-Longfellow House and lived there until her marriage in 1839.

After their marriage, she and James Greenleaf lived for a time in New Orleans, and later built a home near her brother Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Cambridge. They were frequent visitors to the family home in Portland.

GEDCOM Note

Boston, MA: The Boston Daily Globe, issue of Thursday, 4 December 1902, p. 1, col. 1

DEATH FROM OLD AGE.

Mrs. Mary L. Greenleaf, Sister of the
Poet Longfellow, Passes Away in Cambridge--She Was 86.

Mrs. Mary L. Greenleaf, sister of the poet Longfellow, died at her home on Brattle st., Cambridge, last night after a brief illness.

Mrs. Greenleaf enjoyed her usual health until yesterday afternoon, when she suddenly complained of illness. She sank rapidly, notwithstanding prompt medical attention, until the end came at 10:30 last night. Death was probably due to old age.

She was a native of Cambridge and had lived there all her life. Her age was 86. Many years ago she was married to James Greenleaf. They never had any children. Mrs. Greenleaf was a devout worshipper at St. James' Episcopal church, Massachusetts av and Beach st., North Cambridge.

SISTER OF THE POET AT REST.

Funeral of Miss Mary L. Greenleaf in St. James' Church, Cambridge.

The funeral of Mrs. Mary L. Greenleaf, sister of the poet Longfellow, was held this afternoon at 2:30 at St. James Episcopal church, Beach st. and Massachusetts av., Cambridge.

Prior to the church service prayers were said at her home, 77 Brattle st., only the immediate relatives being present. The church was crowded with parishioners who had known and loved Mrs. Greenleaf. It was she who made it possible for the church to have its chapel.

The service was very simple. Bishop Lawrence, Rev. Dr. Edward Abbott, rector of the parish, and Rev. Mr. Sherin, assistant rector, conducted it and the church choir sang appropriate selections.

An eulogy was delivered by Dr. Abbott, who drew noble lessons from the life and good work of Mrs. Greenleaf. The body was taken to Mt. Auburn cemetery and placed in the family tomb. _____________________________________