Dr. Mary Rose Bemis

SALEM – Mary R. Bemis died peacefully on Oct 13, 2017. She was born in Swampscott, August 30, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Edmond F., Sr. and Rose (Bolger) Bemis. Mary graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Lynn, Emmanuel College, Salem State University, and earned her doctorate at Boston College.

Upon graduation from college, Mary worked in Naval Intelligence in Boston and at the General Electric Company in Lynn. She also worked as a social worker in Chelsea and Saugus, over summers. She began her teaching career in Beverly teaching elementary students, and then moved to Classical High School in Lynn where she taught Chemistry and also became the Director of the Science Department. Her final position was as a guidance counselor at the school.

Over the years, Mary was active in many organizations related to her faith, interest and profession, such as St. John the Evangelist Parish in Swampscott, where she taught CCD, the Swampscott Rotary, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Lynn Teachers Union, and Lynn Administrators Association, and also the North Shore/North East Guidance Associations.

Mary is survived by her brother, Edmond Bemis; her sisters, Katherine Loughlin Clancy and Rosemond Gorrie; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Bemis; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, friends and extended family. Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her sister, Aileen Crowley; brothers, Donald and John; nephew Edmond Crowley; niece Aileen Yates and beloved brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank friends and the staff, and all who have been a part of Mary’s life at the rehabilitation facilities where she has lived, for the kindness, care and love which they shared. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mary’s High School, 35 Tremont St, Lynn MA 01902 or to the Mary Bemis Chapter National Honor Society, Lynn Classical High School, 235 O’Callaghan Way, Lynn MA 01905.

Visiting hours will be held at the CUFFE-McGINN Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn on Sunday, Oct 22nd from 2 to 6 pm. The funeral will be held from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home at 9 am Monday, Oct 23rd. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 174 Humphrey St., Swampscott. Interment will follow at the Swampscott Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.