Mary A. (Ring) Dugdale

Mary Arden (Ring) Dugdale, age 63, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Durham, North Carolina on March 16, 1960, she was the daughter of William Ring and the late Ruth K. (Core) Ring. In 1963, Mary's family moved from North Carolina to the charming suburban town of Walpole, Massachusetts, a town that Mary would cherish being a resident of for the rest of her life.

Mary graduated from Walpole High School with the class of 1978 and immediately took on the role of caretaker for her mother, who was going through a difficult time. Mary had a nurturing soul and helping people came naturally to her. In 1981, Mary took on a new type of caretaker role, that of a mother, with the birth of her first child, Christopher, and again later with the births of her daughters Sarah, and Kimberly. Motherhood can be a challenge, with the coordinating of pick ups and drop offs to activities, endless colds and runny noses, and trying to keep everyone happy, but Mary made it seem easy. She managed to tend to the house and her growing family while ensuring there was a hot dinner on the table for 5 PM family supper every night without fail. 

In 1987, Mary and her family moved to East Walpole, close to the Francis William Bird Park. Mary and her family enjoyed taking walks in the park with their dog, Frankie, after dinner and getting to know their neighbors. As the kids grew older, their house became the meeting spot for all activities, due in part to the proximity to the park to play in, but also because of Mary's warm and inviting personality. Her door was always open and her children's friends knew they could find safety, comfort, and fun at Mary's home. When Mary wasn't taking care of her family and home, she was often found volunteering in the community she loved. Mary was a member of the Lion's club, served as a Town Meeting Member, served on the board for the Council on Aging, and more. Her family could be found at the Union Congregational Church in East Walpole every Sunday, where Mary served as a Deacon and a member of the choir.

As her children grew up, Mary pursued a career as a certified nursing assistant with a local visiting nurses agency. Her tender touch and gentle bedside manner helped to comfort many as she provided care and dignity so that her patients could remain comfortable at home during their illnesses. For a time, Mary also worked as a 911 dispatcher, keeping calm and helping people during emergency situations. Both jobs allowed Mary to do what she did best - help people. In 1999, Mary changed career paths and took position as the Membership Director at the YMCA of Greater Boston, where she made many friends and helped to inspire people to live active lives.

In 2013, Mary took on a new role, that of "GranMary" with the birth of her first grandchild. Mary was thrilled to be a grandmother and enjoyed being able to spend quiet time holding and reading to her newest family member, and each one to come after. Her grandchildren, like her children, would learn that their GranMary cherished them so much, she was the best present giver, putting thought into every purchase and package. Mary loved to celebrate birthdays and holidays, giving gifts, and having her family together.

Mary also started a new chapter in her career in 2013, taking a position as Senior Concierge at New Pond Village, an independent and assisted living community, in Walpole. It would be an understatement to say that Mary enjoyed working at New Pond Village, as the community of staff and residents became a second family to her and New Pond became her second home. Mary efficiently ran the office, helping to make appointments and order grocery deliveries for residents amongst many other important tasks. She was a familiar face to many, greeting residents and spreading cheer throughout the community. Mary excelled in her position and made many meaningful and lasting friendships there.

Mary will be remembered for her kindness and warmth, her passion and her presence. She was a quintessential caregiver; taking care of everyone in her life, giving them the world if she could. She will also be remembered for her love of Walpole, taking pride in her community and giving back in every way, happy to be a part of the small town.

Loving mother of Christopher J. Dugdale, and his wife Beth, of Wrentham, Sarah E. Dugdale, and her partner Donald R. Treannie Jr., of Foxborough, and Kimberly A. Spiegel, and her husband Justin, of Easton.

Cherished grandmother of Katherine A. Dugdale, Elizabeth A. Dugdale, Jacob W. Dugdale, Sophie L. Spiegel, and Matthew M. Spiegel.

Daughter of William Ring of Medfield and the late Ruth K. (Core) Ring.

Sister of Virginia Whetsel D'Ercole, and her husband Joseph, of Attleboro and the late Cynthia A. Whetsel. 

Also survived by her former husband James W. Dugdale, cousins, especially David B.Ring, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, as well as her friends and found family at New Pond Village.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Mary's Life Celebration on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Union Congregational Church, 55 Rhoades Avenue in East Walpole. Interment will follow at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary's name may be made to HESSCO Elder Services at 545 South Street Suite 300, Walpole, MA 02081 or by visiting https://hessco.org/get-involved/, or to the Union Congregational Church at 55 Rhoades Avenue, East Walpole, MA 02032.