Mary A. Plunkett

Mrs. Mary A. Plunkett
of Tewksbury, Andover church member, loving wife, mother, and grandmother; 90

TEWKSBURY -- Mrs. Mary Arline (Handley) Plunkett, a resident of Tewksbury for the past 60 years, died Sunday, August 1, 2010, at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by her loving family, aged 90 years.

She was the widow of Patrick F. Plunkett Esquire, who died October 23, 2006 after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Born in Lowell on November 11, 1919, she was the daughter of the late John M. and Mary A, (Place) Handley. Mary received her early education in the Lowell school system and was a graduate from Lowell High School with the Class of 1937, where she served as a Girl Officer.

Mrs. Plunkett also held membership in St. Rita's Cadets Corps. She attended the New England Conservatory of Music and was a teacher herself for trumpet and cornet from her home, at the age of 15.

As an accomplished musician, she played trumpet for several orchestras, and was a sought after soloist, while working in Washington D. C. during the war she was featured in a national magazine. Mary transferred to Fort Devens and took the position of executive secretary to one of the base commanders.

In June of 1948, she married Patrick Plunkett and became his political advisor and campaign manager, the family managed real estate, stores, and The Town Line Pharmacy, and a law practice, of which she kept the records working with her husband.

A communicant of St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Andover, MA. She held membership in many organizations including several PTA's, the League of Catholic Women, the Lawyers Wives Club, and during the 70's she was involved with children with cognitive disabilities.

For years, Mary enjoyed vacationing at Lake Winnipesaukee, and the past 30 years at their home in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, with her family.

Throughout her life, she took great pleasure and pride in expressing herself through her music, art, and writing.

Survived by five children, Patrick Plunkett and his wife, Anita Polli of Boston, Kevin Plunkett and his wife, Rebecca of Atkinson, NH, Maryann Plunkett and her husband, Jay O. Sanders of NY, David Plunkett and his wife, Susan of Tewksbury, and Arline Clarke and her husband, Michael, also of Tewksbury; eight grandchildren, Patrick Plunkett III and his wife, Karen, Adam Plunkett, Joshua Clarke and his wife, Mary, Bridget Clarke and fiancé, Pawel Wilczynski, Erin Clarke and husband, Keith Sorota, Alexandra Plunkett, Caitlin Plunkett, Jamie Plunkett; and one great-grandchild, Samuel Clarke; two sisters-in-law, Rita Larose and Dorothea Plunkett.

She was the sister of the late Rita Handley, and John M. Handley, II.

PLUNKETT -- Mrs. Mary A Plunkett, died August 1, 2010, in Lowell, age 90 years. Wife of the late Patrick F. Plunkett. Friends will be received at the MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME, 122 Princeton Blvd. at Chester and Harvard Sts. on Wednesday from 5-8 PM. Funeral service from the funeral home Thursday at 9 AM with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Andover, MA at 10:30 AM. Friends who wish may make Memorial Donations in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Funeral Directors, Frederick W. Healy and Walter F. Bayliss, Jr. For condolences see www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com