Mary J. (Niska) Delaney, of Melrose, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015 at the age of 72. Mary was born on August 1, 1942 to Alfred and Florence (MacEacheron) Niska in Lynn, MA. Mary was raised in Lynn, and moved to Melrose after meeting the love of her life, George Delaney. Mary and George were married in 1968 and moved into a home on Upham St., where they raised their daughter Lia. Together, Mary and George owned and operated the Tennis Barn in Saugus as well as a ski and skate shop in downtown Melrose for many years. Mary was very passionate for figure skating. She taught figure skating for many years throughout the area. Mary was also a member of the North Shore Skating Club. Being a very athletic and active person, Mary's interests also included skiing and tennis. Mary and her husband George owned a condo at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire, the family would be packing the car almost every other weekend throughout the winter to go skiing. In addition to New Hampshire, Mary loved to visit family in Sandwich, MA as well as make trips to Nantucket Island. Mary was a proud woman who insisted on taking care of herself and liked things done her way. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Mary loved her family, especially her grandson Elijah. Her loving and passionate nature will continue to live on in the family she leaves behind. Mary was the beloved wife of George Delaney of Melrose. Loving mother of Lia (Delaney) Swajian and her husband Robert of Haverhill. And Devoted grandmother to Elijah. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 2 PM – 5PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.