Mary Vendette Obituary
Mary C. Vendette, age 85, of Shutesbury, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Mary was born on February 9, 1940, in Northampton, MA, to John and Hazel (Lamica) Fuller. One of six children, she grew up on Thayer Street in Amherst and attended East Street School. In sixth grade, while attending school in Cushman, she met her future husband, Edward Vendette.
After graduating from Amherst High School, Mary worked at A.J. Hastings before beginning her career in the food service program at Amherst Junior High School. Through dedication and hard work, she was promoted to Food Service Manager for all of Amherst Public Schools. During her career, she completed numerous courses at the University of Massachusetts to expand her expertise in the field. Mary proudly served the Amherst school system for 30 years.
Known for her kindness, quick wit, and friendly nature, Mary brought warmth to every room she entered. She had a deep love for gardening and could often be found tending to her flower beds or riding her lawn mower-something she truly enjoyed. She was a talented sewer, quilter, and knitter, and also impressively skilled on the computer. Together with her husband Eddie, she loved camping, especially in Maine where they often explored antique shops and flea markets. Mary was also a member of the Mary Mattoon Chapter of the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Edward Vendette; her son Edward (Carmaline) Vendette; daughter Gail (Kenneth) Thomas; her grandchildren Jennifer (Toby) DeJarnatt, Michael (Jessica) Thomas, Katie (Erin, daughter) Murphey, Christine Depault and Shawn (Kristina, Will and Ben, sons) Depault. She also leaves behind her siblings Hazel Kreinheder, Diane Bibby, Joan Hebert, and John Fuller, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Hazel Fuller, and her sister, Margaret Drewitz.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 12–2 PM at Douglass Funeral Home, 87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary's memory to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002.
Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.
Published by Franklin County Now on Oct. 9, 2025.