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In Her Words: Mary’s Story

In Her Words header and images of Mary now and from growing up

In Her Words
Candid profiles of strength told by the women of Northbridge

Throughout the month of March we have collaborated to celebrate Women’s History Month and the rich history of the amazing women living in our communities. Their candid stories are brimming over with love, happiness, passion, family values and the markings of individuals who have truly lived well and loved life.

Mary’s Story (Resident of Laurentide at Mashpee Commons)

What is your name?
Mary

What are the names of your parents and brothers and sisters?
My parents were Delia (born in Ireland) and Martin and my brother was Joseph.

How did your parents choose your name? Does it have a special meaning? Did you have any nicknames?
My name was given to me because her family was very Catholic and as such, she was named for the saint.

When and where were you born?
I was born in New York, but at the age of 1 moved with my mother and father to Dorcester, Massachusetts.

What schools did you attend? What were your favorite subjects?
I attended St. Margaret’s Parochial School until I graduated. I then attended Bryant and Stratton Business School. I thought about being a nurse but ended up starting work at the Credit Bureau of Greater Boston.

If married, what is/was your husband’s name? How did he propose?
I married my first husband Don in 1955 at the Somerset Hotel in Dorcester. We lived together with our family in Foxboro. In 1975 we bought a little cape house in Falmouth, we would come down for a night every so often for a respite. Don would always say, “You leave your worries behind when you cross the bridge.” Unfortunately Don passed away in 1990 of cancer. That’s when I moved to The Cape full time. Mary met her second husband, Don, through his sister and they have been happily married since 2001.

What are your children’s names?
Don, Carol, Stephen

What are some special memories you have about your children?
They are truly a joy and the light of my life. I am so proud of how well-behaved they were/are.

Where have you lived?
Dorcester, Foxboro, Falmouth

Have you had jobs? Who did you work for and what did you do?
I worked for the Credit Bureau of Greater Boston and Samuel Bernstein Wholesale and Beauty Department and Morris Alper and Sons.

What are some of your favorite things?
Favorite colors? Yellow
Favorite flowers? Roses
Favorite foods? Pot Roast
Favorite pets? Cats and dogs

What are your favorite things to do now?
When I moved down to The Cape I joined a bowling league and it was the best decision I ever made, I played for years. I also love to sing in the choir at the local church every Sunday. On Thursday afternoons I work at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store run by the church. I also enjoy spending time with my 4 great grandchildren. I work hard to stay well and do the things I want to do so I can spend more time with them.

What are you favorite experiences to partake in at Laurentide at Mashpee Commons?
My favorite part of living here is the happy environment. From the moment you walk in the door, everything is so cheerful, and everyone is so kind to everyone, I love it!

What is your biggest piece of advice?
Be kind to one another.

Sum your personality up in 1 word?
Musical- I love music in all forms and all kinds.

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