Mary T. (Orfanello) McCafferty, of Medford, July 30th, 2021 at 95 years of age passed away. Beloved wife of the late Joseph M. McCafferty. Mother of Michael J. McCafferty and his wife Lois of Medford, Thomas J. McCafferty and his wife Susan of Kingston, John D. McCafferty and his wife Josie of Chelmsford and Mark J. McCafferty and his wife Jeanne of Olathe, KS. Sister of the late Dorothea Stuart, Virginia Orfanello and Elizabeth Coullard. She is also survived by eight loving grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mary was very involved in her grandchildren’s lives and attended many different sporting events as they grew up.
Mary was born and raised in South Boston where her father had a barber shop on Broadway. She is a graduate of Girl’s Latin High School, Class of 1943.
Mary met her husband Joseph while she was working at Suffolk University and Joe was starting his academic career as an assistant. They fell in love and were married in 1952. Together they raised four rambunctious boys near Morrison Park in Medford and enjoyed many summer weeks in Dennisport on Cape Cod.
Mary resumed her studies later in life, enrolling in Boston College’s Evening school while working and raising her four sons. In 1976, she was awarded her bachelor’s degree with honors in American Studies from Boston College. She worked as a legal secretary for 25 years at the law firm of Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen in Boston.
Mary took great pride in her children and her grandchildren. She was very active in their lives and loved spending time with her family. When her grandchildren were little, she always brought donuts and all her love to their houses.
Mary enjoyed tailgating with her family at Boston College Football games and loved cheering on the BC Eagles. A lifelong hockey fan, Mary loved rooting for her Boston Bruins as well as the Red Sox. An avid reader, Mary enjoyed sharing books with her sons and daughters-in-law.
A great neighbor and friend. Mary was always helping or taking care of aging or ill relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Mary has been a resident of Medford since 1952 and was a devout parishioner at Immaculate Conception Parish in Malden. Relatives & friends are invited to attend her funeral from the Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden on Friday August 6th at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 10 AM. Services will conclude with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday August 5th from 4-8PM.