Mary Ann Garrity (Duffly) of Walpole, formerly of Norwood and Canton passed away December 24th. Born in Boston, she was raised in Canton and graduated from Fontbonne Academy in Milton (1959), Laboure College of Nursing (1962) and Emmanuel College (1986). She worked for many years as a Geriatric Nurse and as the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Hellenic Nursing Home in Canton, MA and later as a Psychiatric Nurse and Admissions Facilitator at Westwood Lodge in Westwood, MA before retiring in 2009. Mary Ann was an avid reader of books, consumed every word of the Boston Globe daily and had a special affinity for the obituary pages.
Beloved mother of James Garrity and his wife Janice of Walpole and Brian Garrity and his wife Stacy of Norwood. Grandmother of Alex and Julia Garrity of Walpole and Annabelle and Aidan Garrity of Norwood. Sister of Paul Duffly (wife: Nan) of Cambridge. She is also survived by her former husband, James Garrity, her in-laws Carol and Larry Hickey, her nephew, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, her dear cousins, and many lifelong friends – notably the always-dependable Yankee Swap group.
Mary Ann will be remembered as a loving mother, a devoted “Grammy,” and a loyal friend. She enjoyed social occasions of any kind and was often the planner/designator of these many gatherings. She had an active intellect, an insatiable curiosity, and was both widely read and a crossword maven. She had a remarkable memory for facts (notably names, dates, and familial relationships) regarding those she knew as well as for those in the extended circle of friends of friends. If, in some rare instance, Mary Ann was unable to summon the needed information immediately, there was always a source in her prodigious journals – journals which contained a plethora of facts regarding the date, attendees, weather, activity undertaken, attire worn, and food served. What was not included in her journals was any personal reference to anyone’s problems, worries, or shortcomings. Sharing with Mary Ann meant an understanding nod, a thoughtful question, enthusiastic support, and complete confidentiality. Her discretion, kindness, and good humor will be greatly missed.
A celebration of her life will be held this Spring.