Mary McCann Hillyard

Mary M. McCann Hillyard, 69 of Hudson, NH died crossing the finish line June 18, 2024 surrounded by family and friends after lengthy illness.

Mary was born in Lowell, MA on February 22, 1955, the oldest of four children and the daughter of her late mother Mary McCann and father, Alfred McCann.

Mary graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1972. She went on to pursue her Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts/Education from then Rivier College, a Masters Degree in Education/Special Education from Rivier University, and cutting edge certifications for teaching ASD from Antioch University. Mary was a committed teacher working in the community of Hudson, NH in the Hudson school system for much of her working years. Teaching all levels of K-12 at Dr. HO smith Elementary School, Library St. School, Hudson Memorial School, and Alvirne High School. Mild and kind, her whole-hearted approach to teaching filled voids in an otherwise, at times, underappreciated area of education. Her students loved her dearly and she loved them, her faculty friends, and the art of teaching. Mary's health forced her to retire from teaching in 2014.

Mary was full of love and life. She was a loyal friend, devoted wife and loving mother. Her children and grandchildren were a great source of joy. She cherished the time spent on family vacations to Bailey Island, ME in the summer and to North Conway, NH in the winter. She enjoyed art shows and antique shops. She loved buying gifts for people and throwing parties. Mary's strength and her wonderful sense of humor helped her bravely face her diagnosis with early onset Alzheimer's disease at 58 years old. She participated in medical studies that helped the advancement of groundbreaking Alzheimer's medications and research. Despite her diagnosis, Mary remained a happy and optimistic person with an incredible sense of humor. She was always laughing and joking with her friends and family. She was selfless, kind, and always ready to lend a hand. Her love and wild spirit will never be forgotten. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Mary leaves behind her beloved husband, Kevin Hillyard of 36 years. Along with her husband, Mary is survived by her sister Margaret McCann Brown and husband Russell of Nashua, NH, brother James McCann and wife Katrina McCann of Groton, MA and sister-in-law Natalie McCann of Chelmsford, MA. Mary is pre-deceased by her brother Wiliam McCann of Chelmsford, MA. Mary had three daughters and one son, Melissa Richard and husband Randal Richard of Merrimack, NH, Amanda Babiarz and husband Thomas Babiarz of Bedford, NH, Jennifer Wood of Butler, PA and son Matthew Hillyard and wife Kara Hillyard of Amherst, NH. Lastly, Mary was survived by her eight grandchildren Tommy, Lily, Daxton, Sawyer, Evelyn, Gabe, Teddy, and Thea. Mary loved each of her grandchildren very much and they loved their Nana.

Mary chose "the narrow & cramped road...the road less traveled"!!! She was the real deal.

Mary was a faithful and devoted member of the Merrimack Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Merrimack, NH on Thursday June 27 at 4:00pm with a private reception to follow.

*In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association in Mary's name at Alz.org.