Mary L. (Cashin) Burchard “Nana B.”, age 93, of Weston, formerly of Brockton, died peacefully on February 20, 2022 at her home. She was the wife of the late Joseph W. Burchard and mother of the late William J. and Robert F. Burchard. Born on February 6, 1929 and raised in Brockton, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Anna M. (McCaffery) Cashin. Mary was a 1947 graduate of Brockton High School and for many years worked for the Brockton School Department. Widowed at the age of 46, she was a devoted and strong willed mother to her two sons.
Mary had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit, which she kept until the end. She enjoyed reading, playing with and teaching her family cribbage and solving crossword puzzles. Nana B., as she was lovingly called, will live on through her grandchildren whom she cared for dearly. She was active in all of their lives and would always pick up the phone to give them advice, a laugh, or an April Fool’s Day prank. Her spunk, sarcasm and dedication are all admired and will be greatly missed.
Mary is survived by her daughters-in-law Susan Burchard of Weston and Mary Ellen Burchard of Canton as well as her four grandchildren Joseph and Molly Burchard and Abigail and Sadie Burchard and her nieces, nephews and their families. She was the sister of the late Francis and Robert Cashin.
Private family services will be held. Donations in Mary’s name may be made to Brockton High School, 470 Forest Avenue, Brockton, MA 02301. Checks should be made out to the Brockton Sports Foundation, Attention: Kevin Karo
This is by Mary’s first grandson Joe:
Well Nana B, you’re finally off in the cosmos. Thanks for raising the greatest man I’ll ever know, for showing me how to laugh in the face of death, and for bestowing me with the darkest sense of humor. Thank you for always speaking your truth and showing me the importance of human connection. Pretty sure you schooled me in cribbage our last bout, per usual - but still think you were pulling some strings. An absolute firecracker through and through - the unconditional love you gave me that I never took for granted. I’m so thankful to have had you in my life to teach me all the lessons. I said about a hundred final goodbyes to you, so this one just seems silly in the end. Love, Joe
This is by Mary’s second grandchild, her first granddaughter Molly:
Nana B-They don't make them like her anymore- real, unfiltered, and funny to the bone.
She was a woman who loved minimalism before it's time- owning a total of 4 items of furniture and a cellphone she didn't know how to turn on. She was about 4 ft tall and her fingers all pointed in different directions - but she was tough as nails- Boston accent and all. She was a true firecracker with a dark sense of humor and a contradicting adorable bright contagious laughter. When I think of Nana B I can't help but chuckle a bit at all the hard moments she somehow made truly hysterical over the years. A gift only few possess. I will deeply miss her with all my heart. I love you Nana B, I am so happy you have made it back to your sons and life long love. Molly
Nana B.- the single person who got me through the hardest of times, I wish you were here so I could hold your crooked hand as I’m writing this. Nana B. upheld all the things my dad taught me to be, strengthened my voice and listened when I had to speak. She taught me cribbage, played jeopardy, and always sat next to me at the dinner table. She was an opinionated spunky woman and lovingly teased me, which I did right back. She was only a phone call away whenever I needed a good laugh or cry, and I listen to the voicemails she left me lovingly. I’m thankful she held on for the past 8 years as I really needed a friend, and she was the best one to have. Thank you for all the wonderful memories Nana, I love you so, so much. Abigail
Nana B, I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to know, love, and learn from you. I can undoubtedly say you are the strongest person I have ever known. 93 long years and you kept your sharp mind up until the very end. There isn’t a formula to a long life, but I guess laughter (and a nightly glass of red wine) really is the best medicine. You instilled in all of us the importance of humor in some of life’s hardest moments. You were probably the only person who considered April Fools Day their favorite holiday, and you definitely were most proud of me the time I actually pranked you first. I’ll miss those pranks, but with all 4 of the Burchard’s together again I don’t think there will be a shortage of those. You were so much more than a nana, you were a true friend to me, always a phone call away. Most importantly, thank you for teaching me how to embody the Burchard way of life. I promise to always carry that on. I love you so so much Nana B and will cherish the countless memories we made forever. Sadie