Mary B. Hegarty

Mary B. Hegarty SPRINGFIELD - Mary B. (Thurston) Hegarty, 89, of Springfield, passed away peacefully Nov. 11 at her home with loving family members by her side. Her loving husband, Francis E. "Frank" Hegarty, predeceased her in 2006 after 57 years of marriage. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mary was the only child of the late Cedric E. and Clare Jane (Houston) Thurston. Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Waynesburg College, Waynesburg, PA, in 1942. Shortly thereafter, she came to Springfield and began working at the Westinghouse Electric Company on Page Boulevard in the city where she met her future husband, Frank. Mary was best known as "Aunt Mary" as she helped raise her many Hegarty nephews and nieces. She and "Uncle Frank" hosted weekly summer cookouts for family and friends at their Brighton Street home for more than 30 years. Mary and Frank were avid square dancers for many years and enjoyed being part of many local square dance groups. For decades, Mary was a very active member of Old First Church (First Church of Christ Congregational) at Court Square in Springfield. She served on several boards and committees at the church. She was also committed to the good work of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts and served as a long-time board member for the organization. Her niece, Marianne Hegarty, predeceased Mary in 1967. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sister-in-law Dorothy Hegarty and her husband, David Fenwick of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and many loving nieces and nephews: Thomas, Jeanne Marker and her husband George, Terence and his wife Monique, all of Springfield, John and his wife Connie of Wilbraham, Paul and his wife Dianne of Chicopee, Lee Anne of Wilbraham, Philip and his wife Ann of East Longmeadow, Michael and his wife Liza of Cambridge, Mass., Patrick and his wife Linda of Belchertown, Robert of Raymond, New Hampshire, Steven of Newington, Conn., and Dr. Catherine Hegarty of Florence. Mary also leaves behind numerous grand nieces and grand nephews. The family would like to thank Catherine Dougherty for the years of comfort and care she gave to Mary. The family is especially grateful to Linda, Nancy and all of the wonderful staff at Around the Clock Adult Home Care for their loving and exceptional care over the previous several months. Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice personnel also provided great comfort to both Mary and her family members through the very difficult last few days. The family is very thankful for their professional and courteous help. There will be no calling hours. Mary's family and friends will gather at Dickinson-Streeter Funeral Service, Inc. at 305 State St., Springfield for a memorial service beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 14. Burial to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, State Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, 1 Clough St., Springfield, Mass., 01118.