Mary B. Hughes

Mary B. Hughes (née Fetherston) of Pembroke, MA, died July 15, 2024. She was born April 4, 1935, in Muff, Castlecoote, County Roscommon, Ireland. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Francis X. Hughes, Sr., Pembroke, MA. Daughters Marie Hughes, Pembroke, MA, Kathy Hughes, Blaine, MN, Terry Finnegan (Tom), Pembroke, MA, Erin Johnson, Hanover, MA and Colleen Hughes-Paterno (Mike), Milford, MA. Son Francis X. Hughes, Jr., Eveleth, MN. Sister Lucy Fabian (Richard), Palm Coast, FL. Brother Dermot Fetherston (Pat), Norwood, MA. Grandchildren Mallorie, Lauren and Josh Schieck, Kati Yamamoto, Ryan and Michael Finnegan, EJ Johnson, Maia and Giovanna Paterno. Great Grandchildren Hadley Schieck and Rylee Finnegan. Her beloved dog Cleo and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Leo Fetherston and Bridget (Quigley) Fetherston. 

First and foremost Mary loved life! And the greatest loves of her life were her husband and children! Mary started life in God’s bit of heaven on earth–Ireland, and even though she emigrated to the United States at the age of 17, Ireland was always home to her. She loved to tell stories of her childhood–growing up with her sister Lucy and brother Dermot and their cousins Christy and Maureen Neilan. She loved plants and flowers and made friends with every animal she ever encountered. She loved life! 

After leaving Ireland she lived in Boston with her grandfather and aunt. She worked in a jewelry store and an insurance office. It was through her aunt that she met her husband, Fran. Early in their relationship Mary was in a car accident and Fran came to visit her–she was quite a sight with a broken nose, nasal packing, and blood stains down the front of her dress–despite the outward

appearance, he knew he was looking at an Irish princess and he was in love. They were married May 11, 1957 at St. Mark’s Church in Dorchester, MA. Their love resulted in 6 children, 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and spanned 67+ years. 

Mary made friends wherever she went. When her husband’s work took him to MN she packed up the family car and kids and joined him there. Early in their retirement Mary and Fran lived in VA for a short time. She had many interests throughout her life–knitting, crocheting, gardening, ceramics, mall walking, bowling to name a few. In her later years she enjoyed watching British sitcoms and shows about Ireland or Irish performances. She was known for her joyful singing and whistling. Her greatest joy was always to have her family around her. 

Memorial Service for Mary will be July 25, 2024 at 2 pm, Sullivan Funeral Homes, 2 Maquan Street, Corner Route 14 & 58, Hanson, MA. Immediately following the service, please join the family at Venus III, 252 Main St. Hanson, MA, in the function room, for a continued celebration of Mary’s life.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation in Mary’s name to your favorite domestic or wild animal charity.