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Carmela Palmieri Greene

Date of Death: August 7, 2024

Date of Birth: May 13, 1931

Biography:

East Madison and Sidney – Carmela (Palmieri) Greene passed away peacefully in Hallowell on August 7, 2024, at the age of 93. "Mimi" was born on May 13, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, the fifth and last surviving of six children of Joseph and Michelina “Margaret” (Milano) Palmieri, both infant Sicilian immigrants. In the 1940’s she moved with her family to Waterville, Maine. On April 17, 1948, she married John Greene of East Madison, where they lived and raised a family until 2010 when they moved to Sidney. Mimi adapted quickly to life away from the city and was active in her new community in the East Madison Fire Department Auxiliary and other social and fundraising groups. Her life revolved around their five children whose ages spanned 14 years, but she also worked periodically as a waitress and a shoe inspector in nearby Skowhegan. In 1983 she finally achieved her goal of obtaining a diploma from Skowhegan Area High School. With their children out of school or in college, Mimi and John bought a home in a park in Plant City, Florida in 1988 and became snowbirds for the next 30 years. There she developed new and lasting friendships, was a Red Hat and an avid reader, and enjoyed hosting family excursions, crafting with her neighbors and church friends, and helping with clubhouse holiday dinners. 

After John began treatment for a chronic illness, he and Mimi settled in Sidney with their daughter and son-in-law and were both able to enjoy the early years and newer arrivals of eight great-grandchildren (Kelsey, Kayleigh, Noah, Micah, Madeline, Graysen, Olivia and Sterling).  Mimi devoted herself to caring for her husband until his death in 2016, after nearly 68 years of marriage. She later saw the addition of two more great-grandchildren (Sophie and Hendrix) and a great-great-grandson (Evander).  Mimi remained self-sufficient in her in-law apartment until 2020 when she entered assisted living in Hallowell during Covid-restricted visitations. However, she brought with her memories of long-time and rekindled friendships and became adept at using Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with family, especially her daughter who contacted her daily. 

Mimi’s deep love for her family was apparent, especially her joy at seeing the pictures of young ones and her laughter at wise cracking from her older “children.” She listened intently and without judgment to stories about their happiness and disappointments. 

Mimi was predeceased by her husband, John, a granddaughter, Nikki Grayling, and her parents and five siblings: brothers Christopher, Michael, and John, and sisters Mary Laury, and Frances Antoncich. She is survived by her five children: a daughter, Becky Greene (and husband Peter Grant) of Waterville; and four sons, Daniel (and partner Sue Palakawong) of Sidney, Garry (and wife Chris) of Saco, Allen (and wife Janice) of Woolwich, and Vincent (and partner Julie Foster) of Brunswick. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Richard Greene, Melissa (Greene) Young, Jonathan Greene, Nathan Greene, Joseph Greene, and Jasmin Greene; and a step grandson Brandon Grant; as well as ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and many nieces and nephews, holding special affection for her niece Sue Palmieri. 

 A service and committal at Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Augusta will be held on a date to be determined.