MARY "Mimi" GAUGHAN

FUNERAL HOME

Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

500 University Blvd. West

Silver Spring, Maryland

MARY GAUGHAN Obituary

GAUGHAN MARY ANN GAUGHAN "Mimi" On Monday, April 3, 2017 Mary Ann "Mimi" Gaughan passed peacefully of natural causes at Holy Cross hospice surrounded by the thoughts and prayers of family and friends. Mimi was born at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, DC on August 19, 1949. She lived as a toddler in the Alaska Territory then grew up in St. Michael's parish in Silver Spring, MD. When asked if Mimi was "different" her parents said "she's a blessing in disguise." She attended the Shriver family summer camp, which grew into the Special Olympics, where she was a Camp Aide. She rode buses to special education classes and received her graduation certificate from Rock Terrace High School in 1970. Mimi immediately began her career as a mail clerk and copy machine operator for the federal government, which lasted until her retirement in 1996 from the Department of Education. After her father's death in 1977, she became a resident in one of Jubilee Association of Maryland's first group homes, later moving to Inwood House in Silver Spring where she lived independently for the next thirty years. She hated doing the dishes. She loved taking photos, birthdays and was an avid swimmer, duckpin bowler, square dancer, and card player. An active member of the Montgomery County "Socializers', Mimi enjoyed cruises and trips to Atlantic City. She was a life-long member of Weight Watchers. She volunteered in Inwood's coffee shop and at local schools. She was fascinated by maps and traveled widely with her mother and family. Her favorite parts of the Sunday Post were the comics, Bob Levey's column, and the TV guide-her favorite shows were "I Love Lucy," "Wheel of Fortune," "Lawrence Welk" and soap operas. She rooted for Penn State women's basketball, wearing the team colors whenever she could. When first diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Mimi described her condition as "sometimes my mind has a mind of its own". She moved back to a Jubilee Association home, where she resided until her recent hospital stay. Mimi had a positive impact on all she encountered. She is survived by her brother, John; sister-in-law, Janelle; and numerous relatives and friends. Remembrances can be sent to Jubilee Association of Maryland, 10408 Montgomery Ave., Kensington, MD 20895. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later date when she is inurned with her father, John; mother, Marguerite; and sister, Cathy in Arlington National Cemetery. www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.comwww.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for MARY GAUGHAN

10 Entries

April 17, 2017

May god continue to hold you in His hands as he cradles Mimi in his bosom.

Jeanne Von Ohlsen

April 14, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Mimi's family and friends. Mimi was a very special person and friend. I have many fond memories of the times we spent together at Inwood House and Socializers. God bless her.

Wendell Washington

April 14, 2017

Mimi, Although you have left us, you provided so many warm memories that I will always cherish. My heart goes out to your family whose love and support laid the groundwork for an independent life for which you lived to the fullest.

Edgar Mayes

April 14, 2017

My condolences on the loss of Mimi. I knew Mimi from working with her at the U.S. Department of Education. She was a ray of sunshine, and always had a beautiful smile and a great laugh. Sometimes, she would come to my office and have a diet soda in her hand & we would sit and talk. I remember one time, I had come back from a meeting and Mimi was sitting in my guest chair and had dozed off; she said I took too long(LOL)! I missed her when she retired, but a couple times she would call me on telephone. I will always smile when I think of Mimi. Again, my deepest sympathy.

Kim Vera

April 13, 2017

My condolences to Mimi's family. Mimi was one of the first people I met at Inwood House in 1987. Her laughter and sense of humor were contagious. Later I was able to work one on one to go on adventures (outings). I think of her often. Cheers to a life well lived and well loved.

Margery Swerdlow

April 12, 2017

I offer condolences to John and Janelle on the passing of dear Mimi. We got to know her and her family only in the last two years as my sister Debbie has been Mimi's new housemate. The family has always been loving and attentive and we will miss Mimi's presence everyday.
With love to the Gaughan family,
Debbie Gruber and The Swerdlow Family

Jen Drganc

April 11, 2017

Prayers and thoughts of love to Mimi's family and Mimi's Jubilee family. Mimi made us all laugh with her sense if humor and wit. Bless her caregivers and family.

Carol Norris

April 11, 2017

My condolences to MiMi's family. Rest In Peace.

Petraine Johnson

April 10, 2017

My sincere condolences to Mimi's family. The picture of her and the wonderful tribute to her life bring back so many fond memories of Mimi when we worked in the Office of Vocational Education in the late 1970s. Her smile and laughter were delightful and her sense of humor and candor was refreshing. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet Mimi and will treasure memories of her.

Betsy Welsh

April 9, 2017

Our dear, sweet Mimi will certainly be missed. She was loved by so many. She won over many hearts with her incredible upbeat personality and her giggly smile! So blessed to have known and loved her! She was the bright spot in the family!

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