Mary A. McArdle

Mary A. (Egan) McArdle
Loving mother, grandmother, sister; 88

LOWELL -- Mary A. (Egan) McArdle, a resident of the Highlands section of Lowell, died Saturday April 25, 2015, at a local healthcare facility. She was 88.

She was born in Lowell on January 19, 1927, a daughter of the late Walter J. and Anne B. (Kristounas) Egan. Mary attended the Lowell schools and graduated from Lowell High School.

She was employed as a secretary for the former Courier Citizen, then took some time away, and later worked for many years in the cafeteria at the Greater Lowell Technical High School.

She was a communicant of St. Margaret Parish in Lowell and formerly of St. Patrick Parish in Lowell, where she was a member of the ladies auxiliary.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Edward A. McArdle with whom she celebrated 67 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. They were inseparable, together always. When their son, Kevin attended Central Catholic High School they never missed one of his track or cross country meets. Mary loved to bake, and earned a reputation for the best cupcakes with Kevin's friends in high school and college which proceeded throughout her life.

Mary loved the color pink, gardening, and knitting. She had a fondness for the beach, especially Hampton, and Cobbetts Pond. She and Ed would also visit Silver Lake and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They were known to take a drive to Maine or Hart's Turkey Farm in Meredith, NH just for lunch. They would find bargains together at the former Filene's Basement and then go to Woolworth's for lunch. They especially liked to do this at Christmas when the decorations were up. Together they enjoyed dancing, heading out to Kimball Farm for ice cream, or just sitting at home watching Lawrence Welk, the Dean Martin Variety Hour, or the Ed Sullivan Show.

Mary's family describe her as selfless, caring and loving. Family was paramount to her, especially her grandchildren whom she adored. Mary relished any opportunity to be with them, even if it was caring for them when they were ill.

Survivors include her two sons and a daughter-in-law, Edward P. and Lisa McArdle of Putnam, CT, Kevin McArdle of Tucson, AZ; nine grandchildren, Shaun McArdle, Christopher McArdle, Timothy McArdle, all of Putnam, CT, Alyson Johnpier and her husband, Brandon of AK, Kristen McArdle, Nicholas McArdle, both of Lowell, Emily McArdle of Tucson, AZ, Meghan McArdle, Johnny McArdle both of MD; three great-grandchildren, Cody McArdle, Noah McArdle, Rylee Johnpier; a sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Chris Contos of Westford; former daughters-in-law, Beth Madden of Lowell, Jacki Thuman of MD. She was also the mother of the late Brian McArdle, and sister of the late Eileen Shea, Walter and George Egan.

McARDLE -- Relatives and friends are invited to Mary's Life Celebration in the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 AM in St. Margaret Church, 374 Stevens St., Lowell. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. For those who wish, donations in Mary's memory may be made to D'Youville Senior Care, 981 Varnum Ave., Lowell, 01854. For directions and condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com