Mary Allen (Manion) Bramhall, of Concord and Plymouth, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28th surrounded by her loving family, and leaving behind a life rich in art, travel, and community service. She was 97.

Born and raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the only child of Paul and Anne Manion, "M.A." graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1949, where she earned a B.A. in Graphic Design. She began her career designing eyeglasses for an optical company before embracing her love of travel and adventure by becoming a stewardess with American Airlines.

In 1952, she married George W. Bramhall and moved to Concord, Massachusetts, where together they raised four children. M.A. was an active member of the community, contributing her time, talents and leadership skills to the Concord Home for the Aged, Emerson Hospital, the Concord Garden Club, the Concord Library, and the Concord Art Association, where she served on its Board and as President. She had a beautiful singing voice and was a member of the choir at Concord's Trinitarian Congregational Church.

A passionate and accomplished watercolorist, M.A. combined her love of art and travel through painting trips to France, England, Italy, the Ivory Coast, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Mexico and during her winters on Sanibel Island. She also enjoyed set design for the Concord Players and floral arranging with the garden club.

Above all, M.A. was devoted to her large and loving family, imparting her sense of adventure, love of travel, respect for nature and her appreciation for the simple comforts of life to her four children. She saw to it that they learned to ski, carting them north to Mt. Sunapee each weekend for many years where she and other Concord families created their own ski venue known as, Hodge Podge Lodge. When grandchildren came into her life, M.A. feathered the family nest for all to enjoy – hosting birthdays, holidays and Sunday suppers in Concord, as well as countless spirited gatherings around the dinner table in her vintage summer cottage on Great South Pond in Plymouth. She was always ready to offer her stern opinion when deserved, and was equally quick to share a wry remark and a hearty laugh. Her love and respect for her husband, George was truly admirable and they were a great team. Avid gardeners, she grew beautiful flowers and he grew massive amounts of vegetables. True to her thrifty character, she processed and bottled every tomato that came from George's annual bounty.

M.A. is survived by three children, George W. Bramhall Jr. of Barrington, RI, Anne L. Bramhall of Marion, MA and Robert A. Bramhall of Andover, MA; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband and by her daughter, Martha Bramhall. She will be remembered for her creativity, community service, her strong spirit, and her dedication to her large and loving family.

Services will be private.

The family wishes to express its most sincere appreciation to the skilled and compassionate caregivers at Carleton Willard Village in Bedford, MA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Concord Art Association or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.