Mary Begley

Mary Begley, born Mary Elizabeth Parkinson, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on April 8, 2025, at the age of 80. Mary was a person of tremendous faith, unlimited love, and infectious laughter. Her kind presence will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed enough to know her. Mary grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, and maintained a deep connection to her home state throughout her life. It was there, while attending college at Mount Saint Mary's, that she met the love of her life, Neil Begley. Together Mary and Neil moved to Connecticut, where Mary continued her career in education, spending the majority of her time at Gilead Hill School in Hebron. She was a compassionate, gifted educator and mentor whose supportive and transformative influence is still fondly remembered by former students. Mary and Neil raised their four children in a tightknit community in Glastonbury, Connecticut, where they built lifelong bonds with the local families whom they happily referred to as "The Old Neighborhood." Together Mary and Neil created wonderful family traditions highlighted by the annual vacation to Lake Winnepesaukee. There, three generations of Begleys, Parkinsons, and Powers would gather on the beach by the pink cottages for a week of fun and laughter. Mary was so often at the center of these joyful memories as a mother and later as "Nana.". The family continues the beloved tradition to this day. Mary had a unique charisma and absolute gift for connecting with people. She maintained extensive, yet unfailingly deep, friendships with so many. A woman of strong faith, Mary often gathered with her church buddies for mass and breakfast where they would share funny stories. She also brought with her a legendary sense of humor, which provided endless entertainment. She generated, and told, countless stories from her treasured long weekends with the "Purple Pansies." It was impossible to know Mary without feeling better about the world and your place in it. Her family will remember, take comfort from, and do their best to emulate her faith. Mary's positive, compassionate, joyful approach to life will continue to inspire every person with whom she has connected over the years. Mary was pre-deceased by her parents, Richard and Linda Parkinson, her brother, John Parkinson, her brother-in-law, Walter Powers, and her sister-in-law, Mooneen Parkinson. She is survived by many beloved family members, including her husband and soulmate of 56 years, Neil Begley, her children and their spouses, Michael Begley (Lisa), Catherine Rhodes (Dave), Maureen Begley, and Kevin Begley (Amanda), her six grandchildren, Katie and Sean Begley, Chris and Anna Rhodes, and Madelyn and Declan Begley, her brother, Richard Parkinson, her sister-in-law, Christine Powers, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. In lieu of flowers, please reach out to someone you've been meaning to reconnect with, make a new friend, or just give a big smile to someone passing by, channeling Mary's innate ability to unite people. Also, in Mary's memory, say a prayer for family members, friends, or anyone you feel needs unconditional love and support. Lastly, in honor of Mary's passion for raising, educating and uplifting children throughout her life, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children's in her name. In support of her long battle with Alzheimer's disease, you can also donate to the Alzheimer's Association. Friends may call on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Naubuc Avenue, Glastonbury. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Mary's life will be held on Tuesday April 15, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. Paul Church of SS Isidore and Maria Parish, 2577 Main St. Glastonbury. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Rd. Glastonbury. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary, please visit our Tree Store.