PEABODY - Mary L. (Dumas) Arnold, 84, of Peabody, died peacefully at her home, Thursday, March 4, 2010, surrounded by her family. She is now in the loving arms of God.
She leaves her devoted, caring and loving husband, Charles F. Arnold, Jr., with whom she shared 63 years of marriage.
Born in Peabody Aug. 21, 1925, Mary was the daughter of the late Florido and Lodianna (LeBlanc) Dumas.
Mary attended Peabody schools and worked at the former J. B. Thomas Hospital as a cook. She moved to Salem and worked at Sylvania in Salem and Danvers, as well as Almy’s Department Store in Salem in the toy department.
From 1962 to 1968, Mary and her husband Charles took over ownership of O’Donnell’s Variety Store on Gallows Hill, which was in the family for many years. Together, they also coached and managed the Lions team of the Salem Little League.
She enjoyed playing bingo, watching T.V., playing cards and being with her family. Her grandchildren and her great granddaughters were her special joy. She was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1011, Peabody. She returned to Peabody in the mid 1970's.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children and their spouses, Mary and Lenny McDuff of Peabody, Nancy and Michael Mahan of Beverly, Charles and Debbie Arnold of Salem, grandchildren, Tina and her husband Silvio Bandeira of Salem, Brian Moran and his wife Susan of Beverly, Jamie Arnold, Ross Arnold, both of Salem, Dustin Arnold of Middleton, Tyler Mahan of Beverly, 2 great granddaughters, Julia Bandeira of Salem, Emma Moran of Beverly, 2 sisters, Esther Blanchette and Jeanette Wright, both of Danvers, a sister-in-law, Eleanor Stone of Lompoc, California and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 4 brothers, Henry, Florido, Arthur and Raymond Dumas, 3 sisters, Leonie Tagaleri, Marie Halle, Theresa LeBel and a son-in-law, Phillip “Gus” Moran.
The family wishes to thank Norma and Marisol, her care givers from Partners Hospice for their compassion and loving care, given to Mary during her illness.
Her funeral service will be held Monday, March 8, 2010 at 8:45 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 am at the St. John The Baptist Church, Peabody. Visiting hours are Sunday, 2 to 6 pm. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. Relative and friends respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Partners Hospice, 281 Winter St., Suite 200, Waltham, MA 02451. For on-line guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.