Mary G. McCleary* (1984) was the Chairman of Area I of the New England Guild of English Handbell Ringers when it merged with the the newly formed American Guild. This made her the first Chairman of Area I of the AGEHR, Inc. She served as the Chairman for four years and then became President of the National organization (1979-81). Mary has spent her professional life as a church musician, serving as a director and organist, as well as an accomplished solo ringer. Mary retired after many years as organist/choirmaster in Naugatuck, CT. She was introduced to handbells after her minister heard Richard Litterst’s choir ring in 1958. The minister wanted bells, they were purchased, and Mary was hooked.
