Mary Parker

Mary ("Marie") Louise (Costanzo) Parker, age 91 years, wife of the late Carl W. Parker passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Beverly, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Antonio Costanzo and Genoeffa (Solimeno) Costanzo.

Mary graduated from Beverly High School in 1952 and then attended the Wilfred Academy for Hair Dressing. True to her entrepreneurial spirit, she would go on to own and operate "Marie's Beauty Shop" on Cabot St. for over 50 years. She was so committed and passionate about her craft that she made sure her hairdressing license was up to date and in good standing until the day she died.

In 1954 she married her beloved husband Carl, and in 1957 they would welcome their son, Michael. Mary and Carl loved to travel the world, especially in earlier years with her parents and friends. In her later years she would often reminisce about her trips, namely, to Italy, where she felt most connected to her roots.

In addition to being a business owner, Mary was a dedicated and committed homemaker where most Sundays were spent making homemade pasta and dinners for her family. Her family and grandchildren will always cherish memories of Mary and Noni (her mom) making and drying fresh pasta on almost any clean surface or clean white sheet in the house. And the family sat around tables, loaded with meatballs, sauce and homemade pasta, happily appreciating their efforts, and creating precious memories.

The matriarch of her family, Mary was a mother to all, and cherished time spent with her family above all else. Like any Italian matriarch, you wouldn't be able to enter her home without being offered a seat at the table and leaving with a full belly. She loved to bring a modern touch to the old-world style of Italian cooking she learned from her mom, or as she often called her, "Ma!"

As her yearbook caption stated, she was "A welcome to addition to any crowd."

Mary is survived by her brother Placido Costanzo and his wife Bernice, her beloved son, Michael C. Parker and his wife Beth, and her cherished grandchildren, Brian Parker, Travis Garvin, Christopher Parker and his wife Tara, and Nicole Parker and her greatest protector, her beloved dog, Penny who turned out to be the best friend she never knew she wanted or needed.

She was predeceased by her brother Frances Costanzo, and her beloved grandson, Jason, whom she shared a special bond with.

Funeral services for Mary were held privately. Contributions may be made in Mary's memory to Sweet Paws Rescue, www.sweetpawsrescue.org. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com