Mary Louise (Mazzucchelli) Plunkett, a long time resident of Brant Rock and Wellesley, has died from Parkinson's Disease. She was 89 years old.
Born in Santa Cruz, California, Mrs. Plunkett moved to the east coast as a young girl and settled with her family in Dorchester, where her father worked as a stone mason.
After she graduated from high school, Mary worked for many years at the Garvey Transportation Company. She served as both a secretary and a bookkeeper, and was known for “typing like a whirlwind.” On her vacations, she made several extensive trips to Italy, particularly Milan, where her family originated.
She married Tom Plunkett on April 1, 1967 after meeting on a blind date. They had two daughters, Mayre and Beth. She was a devoted mother, aunt, and friend. Known for her excellent and bounteous cooking, she was particularly good at baking. Her blueberry muffins were legendary.
After moving to Wellesley, Mary ran the Women’s Guild at St. James’s Parish, and worked in the Wellesley Senior High School library, where she was known as much for helping students navigate their personal lives as their academic ones. She had an enduring love and talent for doing ceramics, a love she shared with her sister. Her pieces were coveted by family and friends.
Upon retiring, Mary and Tom enjoyed wintering in Vero Beach, Fl, where Mary continued doing her ceramics and hosting lively parties. Mary was also found great pleasure in shopping, whether it was in the classic Downtown Boston shops or any of a number of other places. Her nephew Ronald tells a story of her taking him to Filene’s Basement when he was a boy. She told him to stand against a wall and not move, while shoppers tore clothing from each other’s hands. He says it was the scariest day of his life.
Mrs. Plunkett will be remembered for her faith and hospitality. She was a fierce Bruins fan, and an avid reader, loving especially mysteries and romance. She was a loving dog mom to her beloved Hershey, and particularly proud of teaching Hershey to say, “I love you” on command. She was a loving grandmother to her three grandchildren, who enjoyed doing art projects and watching classic movies with her.
Visiting hours at the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre St., WEST ROXBURY on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 4-7pm. Funeral Mass in the Mission Church, 1545 Tremont St., Boston, Thursday, Nov. 19 at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Mrs. Plunkett will be interred with her husband directly following the funeral Mass in Fairview Cemetery, Hyde Park.