Mary E. Johnson, 89, of Andover passed away Monday, July 18, 2011, at her home at Marland Place. She had previously lived at Andover Commons for over twenty years, after raising her family in Lawrence. Mary was born in the Tower Hill area of Lawrence, August 10, 1921. She was the daughter of Henry J. and Catherine T.(Collins) Newell.
Mary graduated from Lawrence High School in 1939 and McIntosh business School in 1940. She worked at the IRS in Andover for many years, when her children were older. After retiring from the IRS, she was employed by Elder Services in the Merrimack Valley, where she made many wonderful friends.
Mary attended St. Augustine's Church in Andover for the past 23 years. Prior to that, she was a member of St. Patrick's Parish in Lawrence.
Mary enjoyed spending time with family and traveling to Florida, New York, and Ireland. She was also an avid theatergoer and enjoyed outings to Hampton Beach. She also enjoyed the company of her friends, both recent and lifelong ones.
She was predeceased by her husband, John E. "Cubby" Johnson. Also two, brothers Harry and Matthew.
Mary is survived by her son, John J, of New York City; her daughter, Elizabeth Johnson-Widlansky and husband, Dennis of Singer Island, FL; her son, Edward D. of Lawrence; her daughter, Catherine M. Johnson-Nolan and husband Edward of Tewksbury; and her daughter, Mary E. and life partner Elizabeth Smith of Seabrook, NH. Mary is also survived by four grandchildren, Matthew Widlansky and fiancé, Benton Whitesides, Patrick Johnson-Nolan, Courtney Johnson-Nolan, and Sarah Widlansky, as well as her brother, Edward Newell and wife, Diana of North Carolina, and her sister, Catherine Briggs and husband Harry of Windham, NH. She is also survived by several nephews.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 22nd, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Augustine's Church in Andover, Massachusetts.
Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call on Thursday, July 21st, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
Donations can be made to Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA. 01843 in Mary's memory.