Mary T. Greulich (Fornabaio), passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in Punta Gorda, Florida, at the age of 93.
Born in Corona, New York, on November 12, 1932, to the late John F. Fornabaio and Giselda Granese Fornabaio, Mary was the eldest of five children. Raised in a proud Italian-American family whose roots traced to Naples and Salerno, Italy, she carried throughout her life a deep devotion to faith, family, tradition, and hard work.
Beginning work at a young age, Mary developed a strong work ethic that remained a hallmark of her character throughout her life. She was a 1950 graduate of Sewanhaka High School and she also obtained a college degree. She was also a dedicated civic leader and became the first woman elected President of the Ladies Auxillary in Nassau County, New York, with Elmont Fire Department, serving during 1974-1975. Her professional career included positions as a clerk, secretary, and office manager in New York before she later relocated to Florida, where she continued serving her community through Charlotte County Public Schools and Adult & Community Education.
A remarkable 39-year cancer survivor, Mary faced life’s challenges with courage, grace, and unwavering faith. Following her own battle with cancer, she devoted herself to supporting and counseling others navigating the disease. She was an active participant in Relay For Life and walked the track with great pride and dignity, serving as an inspiration to many through her strength, compassion, and hope.
Mary’s greatest accomplishment, however, was her family. As the beloved matriarch of five generations, she created a home centered on love, faith, tradition, and togetherness. Her wisdom was sought, her advice treasured, and her presence cherished by all who knew her. Sweet, elegant, and endlessly caring, she possessed a quiet strength that guided her family through life’s joys and challenges.
For Mary, happiness was found first in God and in her children. A faithful Roman Catholic, she was a longtime parishioner of 52 years of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda, where her faith remained an enduring source of strength throughout her life.
She loved cooking for family gatherings, spending time with loved ones, and traveling to visit family in New York and Delaware. Her grandchildren affectionately knew her as “Nanny,” a title she cherished and one that became synonymous with warmth, comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love.
Mary was preceded in death by her late husbands, Martin R. Olsen, Louis M. Cooper, and Kenneth F. Greulich; her children, Patricia A. McDade (Olsen) and Martin R. Olsen, Jr; and many beloved family members who welcomed her into eternal life.
She is survived by her children Chris Olsen (Tonia) and AnnMarie Triana (Olsen); her bonus daughters Marilyn Cooper-Reyes (Alex) and Patricia Poulos (Cooper); her sister Edith Porter of Texas; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.
When asked about her proudest moments in life, Mary always spoke of her family—the births of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. More than any title or accomplishment, the family she nurtured and loved was her greatest legacy.
Though her passing leaves a profound void, the example she set through her faith, dignity, generosity, resilience, and devotion will continue to guide those who loved her. Her memory will live on in every family gathering, every cherished recipe, every shared story, and every act of kindness inspired by her remarkable life. “Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28
Visitation for friends and family will be held from 5 to 7 Pm this coming Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Roberson Funeral Homes’ Punta Gorda Chapel located at 215 Mary Street in Punta Gorda. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 10:00 Am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W. Charlotte Ave. in Punta Gorda. Committal followed by entombment will take place after the Mass Wednesday at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens cemetery also in Punta Gorda.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Punta Gorda Chapel.