Mary Mainella’s connection to Greendale spans nearly the entire history of the village itself. Born to parents who moved here in 1941, Mary has called Greendale home for about 75 years and has spent a lifetime serving others through careers in nursing, social work, and education, as well as decades of volunteer service.
Today, Mary helps preserve Greendale’s rich history through the Historical Society, the Original House on Apple Court, the Welcome Center, and Historical Society tours. She has also played an important role in supporting older adults through the Southwest Interfaith Older Adult Program, which evolved into today’s ERAs Senior Network. Her dedication to both preserving Greendale’s past and caring for its people has made a lasting impact on the community.
Thank you, Mary, for sharing your story and for everything you continue to do to make Greendale such a special place!
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Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents moved to Greendale in 1941 so I was fortunate to be born here, living in an Original home part of the time that the Federal Government was still the landlord. I met my husband Ted while in high school and we married after college and moved back to Greendale following Army duty. We have a daughter and son, Lara and Tad, and two grandchildren, Coen and Lucy, that are all our pride and joy!
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am retired from a career as a nurse and social worker with a few years of elementary school teaching prior.
Q: Please tell us about any volunteering that you have done or currently do.
Volunteer experiences early on in Greendale were Girl Scout leader, PTO activities and church related work: organist, choir director and teacher. After retiring I became more involved with the Greendale Historical Society and Greendale Woman’s Club. Currently I am an officer of the Woman’s Club and organize their Book Club. I manage the Historical Society’s Original House on Apple Court which I helped renovate and decorate to resemble the 1938 model home. It now serves as a vacation rental. I also chair the Scholarship Committee, volunteer at the Greendale Welcome Center, and serve as a docent for Greendale Historical Society tours.
Earlier in my career, I helped establish the Southwest Interfaith Older Adult Program in 1990, which has since evolved into the ERAs Senior Network. The program helps older adults remain independent by coordinating volunteer transportation and connecting them with needed services. As a nurse and social worker, I assessed clients’ needs and helped match them with volunteers or professional resources. I later worked at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care until retirement.
I have also volunteered at the VA Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, the Rescue Mission, played piano at an assisted living community, and continue serving through my church.
Q: Please tell us about any interesting or unique hobbies that you have?
Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies. Ted and I especially love mountain trails. Hard to do around here!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Greendale? What do you love there?
I love all Greendale restaurants but probably have visited DIA Cafe and Sugar & Flour most often. I especially like the Rice Bowl at DIA Cafe and the Monte Christo at Sugar & Flour
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Greendale?
Since I was born in Greendale and only gone for the college years and Ted’s grad school and Army stint I have been in Greendale for about 75 years!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?
One of the most interesting persons I have met in Greendale was Kathleen Hart, one of the the first kids to attend school in Greendale and a tireless advocate for many worthy causes thru her 90+ years.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could head anywhere just now it would be Switzerland. The mountains are amazing but walkable. Also it is part of my roots. My mom was Swiss.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Some of my favorite movies are YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and the musical CAROUSEL. PBS series are among my favorite TV shows. e.g. ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice to folks is to “Start at home” if you want to influence the world.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
On my bucket list is more hiking and traveling while still able!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I always can listen to the BEATLES.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greendale?
Every time I go into Ricardo’s I have to think of my Dad and his store that was at that site until the 1970’s. Lots of changes have been made but there is still a feel of Hartman’s TV and Appliances when I enter.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I am having trouble thinking of a person I would be able to utter a word to due to their brilliance. Perhaps Michelle Obama and Laura Bush so the conversation would not be partisan; just memories of their role as First Lady. We could meet at The Eleanor Room!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?
Greendale is truly unique. Few communities were completely planned, built, and then populated in such a short period of time. Its design prioritized pedestrian safety, generous green spaces, gardens, and the convenient location of schools, churches, and shops. It is a community we should be proud of because it demonstrates thoughtful planning while also providing jobs during the Great Depression.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hard to think of at my age but hopefully here in Greendale with Ted, active and healthy.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Something interesting about me unknown to most is my obsession with crossword puzzles! Especially the Sunday New York Times.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I think I am repeating myself but the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland has 72 waterfalls flowing over mile high cliffs on each side with 3 giant snow covered peaks visible in the distance. It is breathtaking!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Guess I am partial to September as my kids were both born then, and now a grandson. I loved it when school started and still sense the energy of that month. No particular day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Right now I would rate the Brewers my 10 out of 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband Ted inspires me to be better-as well as keeping me from too much impropriety!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of lavender.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home as the cliche says is where your heart is. My home will always be Greendale.
