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MOLLY MOTT Obituary

MOTT, Molly Payne Born December 5, 1928, in Toledo, Ohio, to Alice Loomis and Franklyn J. Payne. She passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts. She had two brothers, Franklin James Payne and Robert Wilson Payne, both deceased. She grew up in Alburg Springs, Vermont, where she met her late husband, Charles L. Mott, and the pair married in Burlington, Vermont. They raised two daughters, Sarah Mott Horgan, and Julia "Julie" Mott Toulmin. In addition to her daughters, Molly is survived by six grandchildren, Brendan Horgan, Stuart Horgan, Emma Horgan Fanning, Colin Horgan, Hugh Richardson Toulmin, Charles "Hans" Hansell Toulmin; and three great-grandchildren, Althea Horgan, Charlie Horgan and Lou Fanning. Molly graduated from Northfield School for Girls and attended Mount Holyoke College, both in Massachusetts. She received a master's degree in education from the University of Toledo in Ohio and was a schoolteacher and principal for most of her career. Right out of college, Molly became a paralegal at a time when it was uncommon for a woman to receive this opportunity. Throughout her life, Molly continued to support and encourage women to follow their own intellectual and professional pathways. She was an easy conversationalist and a good listener. Her keen intellect, quick wit, ready smile, and sense of humor made everyone value time with her. She lived happily at North Hill in Needham, Massachusetts for 16 years. The family will have a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Molly Mott may be made to cardiology at the at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visiting www.bidmc.org/giving Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Needham 781 444 0687

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

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for MOLLY MOTT

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1 Entry

Betty l. Lemon

February 1, 2026

Molly was a dear friend for over 58 years. Many wonderful memories of our
time together raising our families. She was an amazing woman, mother, neighbor, friend, grandmother and so much more.

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George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

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