Mary Lou Hawkins

Mary Lou Hawkins, age 75, passed away on January 18, 2024 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 4, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Michael C. and Anna B. (Madden) Kirby. Mary Lou was raised in Dedham, Massachusetts along with her five brothers and one sister, all of whom she loved dearly. She graduated from Dedham High School with the class of 1966 before attending Burdett College in Boston, earning her Associate's Degree and learning the skills necessary to provide a high level of organization and professionalism as a secretary. After graduation Mary Lou put her expertise to good use, first working as a secretary at John Hancock in Boston and later for a chemical engineer.

Mary Lou had been a quiet and shy girl, but she blossomed into an outgoing young woman as she grew older. She befriended every person she encountered, and through friends, was introduced to the love of her life, William G. Hawkins, Jr. The couple was wed in November of 1972 at Saint Anne's Church in the Readville neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Mary Lou and William initially made their married home in Walpole for a few years before settling into a cozy cape in Foxboro in 1978.

Mary Lou had a very close relationship with her mother, and longed to be a mother herself. Her dreams came true in 1986 when she and William welcomed their son Billy into the world. Mary Lou thrived as a mother, cherishing every milestone and cheering on every accomplishment that Billy made. She loved to plan family vacations. The family loved to travel north to New Hampshire to see the Old Man in the Mountain, swim in Newfound Lake, or relax while visiting family that they so dearly missed. Another favorite vacation spot was in Florida, where Mary Lou was able to see the excitement in Billy's eyes when they met their favorite characters at Walt Disney World.

As Billy grew older Mary Lou returned to work, this time in a new career as a real estate agent. This was the perfect job for Mary Lou as she was able to meet all kinds of new people, get to know them, and help them find their dream home. Mary Lou took pride in her work, ensuring that her clients found the perfect match for their personalities and lifestyles. In addition, Mary Lou became a Notary Public, authenticating documents and providing assistance to her real estate clients and the public.

In her retirement, Mary Lou enjoyed spending time in her yard relaxing and enjoying the peace and quite of her neighborhood. She especially loved watching the birds that had nested in a birdhouse on her deck. The birds loved Mary Lou for providing them with birdseed and a safe place to lay their eggs, returning year after year, much to her delight. When Billy graduated from high school, he brought home a pomeranian named Foxy, who quickly became Mary Lou's pride and joy. She always ensured that Foxy was perfectly presentable, with her fur expertly groomed and wearing a beautiful bow.

Mary Lou will be remembered as an outgoing woman with a bubbly and inviting personality, that you could not help but want to get to know. She was a very selfless woman who would help anyone without hesitation, all with a smile on her face. She loved to cook, opening her kitchen and table to loved ones throughout the year, sharing a meal while catching up. To encourage herself and others to live life to the fullest, Mary Lou would proudly don a red hat with a purple outfit, as one does as a member of the Red Hat Society. In her free time she would volunteer at the Foxboro Council on Aging, bringing a smile to all who encountered her.

Beloved wife of William G. Hawkins, Jr.
Loving mother of William G. Hawkins, III and his fiance, Alissa Cleary, of Foxboro
Cherished sister of Joanne Mich, and her late husband William, of Norwood, William Kirby, and his wife Roberta, of Mulberry, Florida, Paul Kirby of Mulberry, Florida, Francis Kirby of Dedham, James Kirby, and his wife Rae Ann, of Dedham, and the late Robert Kirby. Sister-in-Law of Jeanne M. Campbell of Foxborough and Patricia Hawkins Greene of Norwood.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in conjunction with her husband Bill at Saint Mary's Church, 58 Carpenter Street, Foxborough, Massachusetts 02035, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM.  Interment will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary Lou's name may be made to Foxborough Council on Aging and Human Services at 75 Central Street Foxboro, MA 02035.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.