Venice, FL: Mary Anne (Long) Hurley formerly of Worcester passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, Florida. The devoted mother of seven was known as a supportive nurturer with a warm smile and a generous heart - always eager to share her love, guidance and support – especially to those in times of need. She is survived by a daughter- Christine (Hurley) Quinn and her husband Timothy of Southbridge, MA; 5 sons- Michael D. Bigger and his fiance' Leona Startz of Worcester, MA; Terrance K. Bigger and his wife Pamela of Worcester, MA; Thomas B. Hurley and his wife Kristin of Milford, NH; Sean M. Hurley of Sutton, MA; Patrick J. Hurley and his wife Pamela of Placida, FL; a daughter-in-law Rose (Fitzgerald) Bigger of Worcester, MA; a son-in-law Kevin Taylor of Haines City, FL and Worcester, MA; 2 brothers- Gerard H. Long and his wife Joyce of North Attleboro, MA; and John Long of Worcester, MA; a sister Suzanne (Long) Bradford of Savannah, GA; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by former husband Thomas S. Hurley and loving daughter Karen D. (Bigger) Taylor.
Mary was born in Milford, MA, daughter of the late Gerard and Anna (Martin) Long. She retired after 33 years serving as a Social Worker for the City of Worcester’s Head Start Program. She was a member of the Worcester Community Action Council Legal Assistance Corp., the Friendly House Board of Directors, and the Head Start Policy Council.
Mary was most proud of the tight-knit relationships amongst her children and their families. Throughout her career as a social worker, she helped countless young families in the Worcester area to foster stable family relationships and support pre-schooler’s physical and emotional well-being. For many years, Mary supplemented her income working the counter at Lederman’s Bakery. Through her family, work, and community involvement, Mary was eager to lend support, guidance, and encouragement to many people in troubled or disadvantaged circumstances. Each of her children heard countless people, many complete strangers, state “Your mother helped me through one of the toughest times of my life”. Mary Hurley’s “family” is an inclusive bunch that now spans the globe.
Mary was an adventurous traveler who joined her family on escapades ranging from river tubing in New Hampshire, to road trips to Virginia, Arizona and The Grand Canyon, and various European vacations. Before retiring to Florida, she enjoyed a particular fondness for the Mashantucket Pequot people, contributing generously at their Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
She loved family gatherings – frequently coordinating overcrowded, often chaotic and always laughter filled parties at her home. And she never missed a birthday or an anniversary. Her slightly off key voicemails singing “Happy Birthday” arrived like clockwork each year, and will be surely and sorely missed by her loved ones.
Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 10AM – 1PM in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA 01605. A Celebration of Life will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Hurley's memory may be made to the Veterans Inc. 69 Grove St. Worcester MA 01605. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please visit Nordgrenmemorialchapel.com.