Mary M. Murray

Mary M. (McFarlin) Murray, age 88, passed away on March 29, 2024, at Care-One in Sharon, Massachusetts after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 15, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Francis E. and Katherine M. (Cotter) McFarlin. Mary was raised in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston and attended Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. While at Saint Thomas Aquinas, Mary met classmate Donald Murray who was to become the love of her life, and future husband. 

Following her high school graduation in 1953, Mary attended Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Mary was always a Dean’s Lister and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1957. There Mary held leadership positions in several clubs. Mary’s beautiful voice and love of singing led her to join the Regis Glee Club where she sang in their concerts and later whenever she could be persuaded. After graduation, Mary took on a position as an auditor in a Boston accounting firm.

On May 31, 1958, Mary and her high school sweetheart, Donald Michael Murray, were wed at the Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Jamaica Plain.  The couple raised their family in Roslindale, then later moved to Westwood where they remained for over 20 years. Mary continued to raise their children, while also returning to the workforce part time in accounting. 

Mary and Donald both enjoyed golfing at the Charles River Country Club in Newton where Mary served for a time as the President of the Ladies Nine Holers.  For many summers Mary and Donald enjoyed relaxing at their cottage in Cedarville, spending hours on their Sunfish sailboat.  During their retirement years, Mary and Donald moved to the Royal Crest Condominiums in Walpole and shortly after became snowbirds at the Strand golf community in Naples, Florida making golf available year round. 

Although Mary enjoyed many hobbies, her favorite was reading. In her younger years Mary learned to sew, crochet and made a beautiful crewel embroidery piece that was proudly displayed in their home. Always trying to challenge herself, Mary enjoyed solving Sudoku puzzles and learned to play bridge later in life. Once the Patriots season started, Mary could be found cheering on her beloved team every week.

More than anything though, Mary loved spending time with her husband and family. Family was the most important aspect of Mary’s life. For years she would host Sunday dinner for her three children and spouses, then later her seven grandchildren and over the decades would make an effort to attend their games, performances, and recitals. Mary later enjoyed watching her four great-granddaughters grow. She blessed all three generations with her endless love. 

Beloved wife of the late Donald Michael Murray.

Loving mother of Donna M. Murphy, and her husband Rick, of East Wareham, D. Michael Murray, and his wife Lisa, of Chatham, and John F. Murray, and his wife Carolyn, of Medfield.

Cherished grandmother of Kathleen Sordillo and her husband Nick, Mary Beth Amaral and her husband Brad, Rich Murphy and his Fiancee Joanna Smith, Katelyn Murray, Matthew Murray, Ryan Murray, and Shannon Murray; and great-grandmother of Grace, Liliana, Evelyn, and Lucy.

Sister of the late Frank McFarlin.

At the request of Mary’s family, all services will be private. Interment will take place at the New Westwood Cemetery in Westwood, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 320 Nevada Street Suite 201 Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh

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