Mary Farrell Burns

AUGUSTA - Mary Farrell Burns, age 101, died Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at the home of her son, Gary and her daughter-in-law, Carolyn where she resided for the last 5 1/4 years. She was born on February 6, 1914, the daughter of Irish immigrants Francis J. and Mary (Houlihan) Farrell.

She was a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar School (now St. Michael's School) in 1928 and Cony High School in 1932.

For many years, Grammie Burns was also known as "Ball Game Gram" because she rarely missed seeing any of her children or grandchildren in whatever sport they might be playing. In her younger days, she enjoyed many summer days at her Cobbossee Stream camp and literally "taking a dip", where she spent her summers since 2011. One could never plan anything on a Tuesday because Mary and her sisters would be shopping and playing poker. Mary loved her Boston Red Sox and was one of the few people to be alive for six of their World Series Championships. Being one of nine children and raising four boys made her tough enough to withstand many tragedies in her life and still keep her Irish spirit and Catholic faith even in failing health.

Mary was pre-deceased by her husband, John G. Burns in 1976; a son, Michael David Burns on September 8, 2012; grandsons: John "Jackie" Robert Burns in 1982 and Robert Gary Burns in 2006 and a granddaughter, Chrisanne Burns in 1993; 6 sisters and 2 brothers as well as a daughter-in-law, Alyce Redmond Burns in 1992.

She is survived by 3 sons: John Jr. "Tardy" and his wife Pamela of Vassalboro, Gary and his wife Carolyn, and Timothy, all of Augusta; Mike's widow, June, of Augusta, 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 28th from 4-7 PM at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Mary was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church of St. Michael Parish where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 29th at 9 AM.

Please, in lieu of flowers, if you wish, make donations to either: Chrisanne Burns Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Michael's School, Attn.: Jane Carr, 56 Sewall St., Augusta, ME, 04330, or Chrisanne Burns Scholarship Fund, c/o Cony High School, Attn.: Barbara Haskell, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta, ME, 04330.

A special "Thank You" to Dr. Cosmina Fachio and Nurse Practitioner Persis Hope and Nurse Sandi Taker of the Family Medicine Institute and to Dr. Elizabeth Hart, Nurses Anna Barry and Jean Jennings, aid Sue Thorton and many other aids of Hospice for their compassion, expertise and advice. We are grateful to her granddaughter, Linda Burns Anderson, who assisted Mary for many years in her Old Winthrop Rd. home and cared for her Gram from the time she came to live with Gary and to all her caregivers who gave such love and tender care.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.