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George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

456 High Street

Dedham, Massachusetts

MARY MCCARTHY Obituary

McCARTHY, Mary E. (Murray) A lifelong resident of West Roxbury, left this earth and all who loved her, on December 23, 2025, at the age of 103. Daughter of the late Kieran Joseph Murray and Anna (Ahern) Murray. Beloved wife of the late John J. "Handsome Jack" McCarthy, Sr. Proud mother of the late Lawrence Keieran McCarthy Esq., who she loved with all her heart and missed everyday since his untimely passing. Cherished mother of John J. McCarthy, Jr. of Manchester, NH and Maureen (McCarthy) Atkins and her husband, Gerry, of Sagamore Beach, MA. Adored grandmother of Dave, Gerry (Sara), Jonathan Kieran and Dan Atkins. Much loved great-grandmother "Gugga Noodle" of William and Marietta (her namesake) Atkins. Also survived by many loving friends, nieces, nephews and their extended families. She was the sister of the late Anna Bourke (Charlie) and Josephine (Gino) DiCenso. She was the treasured aunt and godmother of Rev. Charles E. Bourke, Jr.; as well as the beloved aunt of Mary Ledwith (Jim) and Patricia Byrne. Their devotion to her was unparalleled. Mary retired from the Boston School Department at age 70. Her home was a haven, where memories were made and bonds were strengthened. Mary will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, compassion and fierce love of family and friends. Amongst other things, Mary was a great friend, neighbor, quilter, reader (enjoyed her Boston Globe daily), cook and conversationalist. A Visitation will be held at George F. Doherty Funeral Home Wilson-Cannon, 456 High Street, DEDHAM, MA, on Monday, December 29, from 10:45am to 12:30pm, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 420 High Street, Dedham, at 12:45pm. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. A kind deed in her name would be a lovely tribute to Mary. A little note of remembrance on the tribute wall would be nice too. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul, 420 High St., Dedham, MA 02026. For online guestbook, gfdoherty George F. Doherty & Sons Dedham 781 326 0500

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for MARY MCCARTHY

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Mary Ellen McMahon

January 27, 2026

So sorry to hear of Mary's passing! Mary was a lovely woman and lifelong friend of my mother Mary. Rest in Peace Mary. I am sure that there were many friends and family waiting for your arrival.

Memorial Tree

Christine (Talbot) Boardman

Planted Trees

Sharron Downs Marshall

December 28, 2025

My deepest condolences to Ms. Mary's (as we called her) entire family and loved ones. Ms. Mary welcomed my family upon moving across the street from her. Through her genuine friendliness and kindness we developed a fast friendship. My family and I call her the matriarch of Birchwood, as she would advise my children to "look both ways before crossing the street". Also giving us so much history of the neighborhood. Ms. Mary would write beautiful letters that I will forever keep and cherish, in the most lovely penmanship. She would drop off cards with money for the kids for Christmas marked from Santa! Always looking her best I must say, Ms. Mary exudes style and grace. Such a prestigious woman who I will miss greatly. I thank you for your advice and wisdom. Your thoughtfulness, even sending sweets and a get well card at 100 years young when I had surgery. My entire family adored this amazing woman. She even invited us to her 100th birthday party and remembered all of the kids name and was always sharp as a tack. Dan, thank you for sharing your grandmother with us. You are a great man and neighbor. So sorry for your loss. Ms.Mary will always be remembered and loved. I thank God for having the opportunity to meet and know a true legend, the epitome of what a Lady should be. There's so much more I can say...We love you Ms. Mary

Jay Lordan

December 28, 2025

I first met Mary in 1982 when I was working at the former Liberty Bank on School Street. downtown. At the time, my mother was not well and Mary always inquired about her and extended many kindnesses to Mom and our family. She was one of the kindest people I know. We never lost touch and I will miss a most devoted friend. I was lucky enough to see her at her 100th birthday party. RIP Mary.

Martha Lamb and Family

December 28, 2025

Dear Atkins Family,
Eric always spoke warmly of your Mother/the boy's
Grandmother and would say that she was the oldest person that he knew! It has always sounded like she was a lovely woman and she was fortunate to be able to enjoy her great grandchildren too. Our warmest thoughts and prayers are with all of you as she begins the next part of her journey.
Blessings to All, The Lamb Family

Paula McLaughlin Grant

December 28, 2025

To the McCarthy and Atkins family, my condolences to you and your families. Mrs McCarthy was truly a gentle woman. Always smiling, so kind. Your memories must be amazing and I am sure cherished. Now she is reunited with her beloved husband and son. Peace to this wonderful woman.

Ellie Stafford

December 28, 2025

Mary was a dear friend we worked together and she was the nicest person to know. She was always cheerful and such a good listener and a confidant ! Mary could cheer up a room just with her smile. Rest in Piece Mary Love Ellie

Memorial Tree

Mary Foster

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

The Fama Family

December 27, 2025

Forever in our hearts

Martin Cahill

December 27, 2025

Mrs. McCarthy beautiful inside and out...Condolences to all family members ...Cherish the memories ...she won't be far from you... Great woman...

Stuart Kaufman

December 27, 2025

Dear John and Maureen: Sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your amazing and resilient mom, who I met over 60 years ago at the old Nine to Nine market.

Anne Kraus

December 27, 2025

When I lost my son (Aunt) Mary sent me a lovely poem that had comforted her when she lost her son. She always acknowledged our shared grief which was like a hug.

Cathy Carter

December 27, 2025

Sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mary working with her at BPS. She always was smiling. Mary was always talking about her children and grandchildren, and how much she loved all of you. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Nancy Wilson Aylward

December 26, 2025

I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. McCarthy. She was the sweetest lady who we admired growing up.
We will keep her in our prayers always.

Karen McLaughlin

December 25, 2025

Dear John and Maureen My family and I are very sorry to hear about your mother´s passing. Mary was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. Sincerely Karen McLaughlin and family.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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Memorial Events
for MARY MCCARTHY

Dec

29

Visitation

10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

George F. Doherty Funeral Home Wilson-Cannon

456 High Street, Dedham, MA

Dec

29

Mass of Christian Burial

12:45 p.m.

St. Mary of the Assumption Church

420 High Street, Dedham, MA

Funeral services provided by:

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

456 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

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