Mary Rose Mullen, 97, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, died on Saturday, April 29, 2023, surrounded in the love and comfort of her family.
The daughter of the late Patrick and Catherine Mitchell, she was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on July 26, 1925. Mary Rose was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy in 1942, the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, connected to the Meriden Hospital School of Nursing in 1945 and later obtained a Master of Education from Bridgewater State University. She enjoyed a long rewarding nursing career, primarily drawn to leadership, supervision and administration. In 2013, she retired at the age of 88, which she considered too soon.
She is survived by six of her eight children, Maureen Bernstein of Sarasota, FL, Kathleen Mullen of Jacksonville, FL, Patrick Mullen of New Bedford, MA, Michael Mullen, Kevin Mullen of Fairhaven, MA and Eileen Mullen Cayer of Mattapoisett, MA; her sister, Eileen Mitchell of New York City; twelve grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Senator Arthur J. Mullen; her sons Arthur J. Mullen, Jr. and Barry Mullen; and her four siblings, Peter Mitchell, Kathleen Caughey, Patricia Benson, and Veronica Hanrahan.
All funeral services are private and will be arranged at a later date. Saunders- Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford has been entrusted with her care. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.