AMHERST/WEST BOYLSTON-Mary I. (McAuliffe) Kennedy, 96, of Amherst and formerly of 80 Maple Street, West Boylston, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2009, at her home surrounded by a loving family and with tender care from Hospice of Cooley Dickerson.
Born in Greenfield on April 14, 1913, she was the daughter of Michael and Brigid McAuliffe. She moved to Worcester at the age of three, later graduating from St. Peter’s High School and the Fairchild Office School. She worked as secretary at the Melville Corporation in the 1930’s. In 1940 she married Bernard J. Kennedy of Whitinsville. They moved to the Oakdale section of West Boylston in 1944. In 1949, with three young boys, they built their lifelong home at 80 Maple Street.
Mary worked as secretary to the principals at West Boylston Jr. Sr. High School for 23 years, retiring in 1979. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital. She was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and its Women’s Club. She was also a member of the West Boylston Women's Club. Most of all she was the glue that kept the family together. With the boys, and Bernard heading in different directions, she kept things in order and instilled a sense of calm. If a friend or family member had a problem, she would be the first to offer an ear or assistance. If she had a problem, you would never know. In retirement Mary and Bernard enjoyed travelling, especially to Florida. But more than anything she enjoyed her home, her family and her friends.
Her beloved husband, Bernard passed away on August 10, 1999 after 59 years of marriage. Her first son, Denis, was tragically lost in a bicycle accident at the age of 10 in 1953. She continued to live in her home until 2004 when she moved to the Arbors, an assisted living facility, in Amherst close to family. At the Arbors, she made many new friends and continued to thrive well into her 90’s. During her last months she maintained her dignity and warmth. All who cared for her felt a special connection and a sense of peace and gratitude. To the end, she greeted everyone as a long lost friend and a special “thank you, dear”.
Mary leaves behind a son, Terence and his wife Adeline of Amherst, a son Kevin and his wife Pamela of Winchester, VA; and four grandchildren, Michael-Andrew, Mary-Elizabeth, Denis Vern and Meaghin Laura and her husband Justin.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009 from FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 West Boylston St., West Boylston, with a Mass at 10 AM in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester St, West Boylston. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Whitinsville. Visiting hours are Wednesday, October 7 from 5-7 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 or Perkins School for the Blind, Perkins Trust Office, 175 N. Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472. For directions and online condolence please visit www.faybrothers.com