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BORN
1937
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Hurley Obituary
Venice, FL - Mary Anne (Long) Hurley formerly of Worcester passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, Florida. The devoted mother of seven was known as a supportive nurturer with a warm smile and a generous heart - always eager to share her love, guidance and support – especially to those in times of need.
She is survived by a daughter- Christine (Hurley) Quinn and her husband Timothy of Southbridge, MA; 5 sons- Michael D. Bigger and his fiance' Leona Startz of Worcester, MA; Terrance K. Bigger and his wife Pamela of Worcester, MA; Thomas B. Hurley and his wife Kristin of Milford, NH; Sean M. Hurley of Sutton, MA; Patrick J. Hurley and his wife Pamela of Placida, FL; a daughter-in-law Rose (Fitzgerald) Bigger of Worcester, MA; a son-in-law Kevin Taylor of Haines City, FL and Worcester, MA; 2 brothers- Gerard H. Long and his wife Joyce of North Attleboro, MA; and John Long of Worcester, MA; a sister Suzanne (Long) Bradford of Savannah, GA; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by former husband Thomas S. Hurley and loving daughter Karen D. (Bigger) Taylor.
Mary was born in Milford, MA, daughter of the late Gerard and Anna (Martin) Long. She retired after 33 years serving as a Social Worker for the City of Worcester's Head Start Program. She was a member of the Worcester Community Action Council Legal Assistance Corp., the Friendly House Board of Directors, and the Head Start Policy Council.
Mary was most proud of the tight-knit relationships amongst her children and their families. Throughout her career as a social worker, she helped countless young families in the Worcester area to foster stable family relationships and support pre-schooler's physical and emotional well-being. For many years, Mary supplemented her income working the counter at Lederman's Bakery. Through her family, work, and community involvement, Mary was eager to lend support, guidance, and encouragement to many people in troubled or disadvantaged circumstances. Each of her children heard countless people, many complete strangers, state "Your mother helped me through one of the toughest times of my life". Mary Hurley's "family" is an inclusive bunch that now spans the globe.
Mary was an adventurous traveler who joined her family on escapades ranging from river tubing in New Hampshire, to road trips to Virginia, Arizona and The Grand Canyon, and various European vacations. Before retiring to Florida, she enjoyed a particular fondness for the Mashantucket Pequot people, contributing generously at their Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
She loved family gatherings – frequently coordinating overcrowded, often chaotic and always laughter filled parties at her home. And she never missed a birthday or an anniversary. Her slightly off key voicemails singing "Happy Birthday" arrived like clockwork each year, and will be surely and sorely missed by her loved ones.
Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 10AM – 1PM in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA 01605. A Celebration of Life will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Hurley's memory may be made to the Veterans Inc. 69 Grove St. Worcester MA 01605. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please visit:
Nordgrenmemorialchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Hurley
Sponsored by Her Loving Family.
Frank Long
March 10, 2015
To Mary Ann's Family,
Words threaten to be inadequate at times like this. We are so very sorry for Mary Ann's loss. As someone who grew up in Hopkinton and Westborough in the 1940s and 1950s, I remember Mary Ann and her brother Jerry as the older cousins who were often assigned the thankless duty of looking after their Uncle Francis Long Sr's rowdy sons. The phrase Mary Ann and Junie' still one of my earliest memories will always evoke fond memories of our shared childhood. As the oldest cousin in her large Irish family along with losing her mother early in life Mary Ann was destined for a life of great responsibility. Testimony to how well she accomplished those responsibilities is directly reflected in the hearts, minds and souls of each family member Mary Ann leaves behind. There is no greater legacy in this life than family. You will missed, Mary Ann. Thank you for everything.
To Mary Ann's family, please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. If there's anything we can do for you or the family please just ask.
Respectfully, with love--
The Allard Family
March 2, 2015
To Mary's family. We are sorry to hear of her passing. Our mother, Lourdes Allard, and Mary were friends for decades. Our mother talked dearly of her until her passing a year ago. We were still getting "how you doing?" letters from Mary up until a few months ago. She will be deeply missed by many.
February 27, 2015
You were a wonderful person and will always have a special place in my heart. May you rest in peace Mary.
Camille Butler
February 18, 2015
My deepest condolences to Mary's family. Sincerely, Camille Butler
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Joshua & Meagan Bigger
February 16, 2015
You will not be forgotten Nana.
Nora Carlesi
February 16, 2015
I used to babysit for Karen, Michael, and Terrance. She was a friend of my family. I loved her such a gentle person.
Dawn Appiah
February 15, 2015
Nana Hurley was a wonderful women! I was friends with her granddaughter! She was always so kind and opening her door an heart to everyone. May she rest in peace! My prayers for the Bigger family!
jacqueline Breault
February 15, 2015
To all of Mary's family, We met Mary as head start parents but remained friends long after. She gave us hope that we could find meaningful careers in Social service. Her and Pat are now together riding around in a red and white van. God Bless
Robert Miner
February 15, 2015
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Fawn Iannitelli
February 15, 2015
My deepest sympathy to all of the Hurley/Bigger Family.I think of all of you often and miss you.You are always in my prayer and a special prayer goes out to all of you in this time of sorrow...May God grant you and Mom peace and love through this very difficult time.If you need me ,I'm still here on the hill.God bless and keep all of you safe.Love Fawn
Ann Diamantis
February 15, 2015
To Mary's family. I am sorry to hear of her passing. I too like many others were touched by her kindness and her ability to see the good in people and to help them in times of trouble, she made me see my selfworth and because of her my whole life was changed.. She and I became good friends and stayed in touch for many years even after the Headstart program, She was an inspiration to all. I have very fond memories of her including my wedding that she attended as well as baby showers for my children.. I will truly miss her she was a wonderful person with a heart as big as the world.. RIP Mary you will forever be in my heart..
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