Mary S. McDermott

Mary Stevens McDermott passed away on July 7th, 2026 after facing many years of health challenges with courage and grace. She is predeceased by her mother Mary Foran Stevens, her father Ralph J. Stevens, her brother Ralph J. Stevens, Jr., and her beloved husband John A. McDermott.

Raised in Dennisport, Massachusetts, Mary attended St. Joan of Arc in Orleans and went on to graduate from Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, where she was a proud DY Dolphin. She then followed in her cousin's footsteps to Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Newton, Massachusetts, a place where she made beautiful lifelong memories and found enduring friendships.

A lifelong Democrat, Mary moved to Washington, D.C. and began a distinguished 30-year career working for the U.S. House of Representatives, where she loved her positions on the House Finance and Veterans’ Committees. It was during her time working on the Hill that she met her husband, John. Together, they raised their daughter in Burke, Virginia. In 2006, Mary retired and moved back to Cape Cod, finding immense joy in building a new life in the place where she grew up.

Mary made friends everywhere she went and was always the first to offer help to anyone, or anyone’s friend of a friend. Over the years, she dedicated her time to her daughter’s schools and several boards, including the Creative Arts Center in Chatham and The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia. She also worked tirelessly on the Affordable Housing Committee in Chatham and served as a dedicated election poll volunteer.

When Mary wasn't helping others, she could invariably be found relaxing in her beach chair. She would be happy to know that the Red Sox are currently no longer in last place.

Mary is survived by her daughter Kathleen McDermott (John Timbone) of Somerville, her nephew John Michael Stevens of Dennisport, her many beloved cousins including Mary Patricia Cédelle, Anne Holden, and the Phelan family, and a vast circle of her devoted friends, neighbors, and community. She will be deeply missed.

In keeping with her wishes, a memorial mass will be held in the fall, and she will be interned at Swan Lake Cemetery in Dennisport.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mary’s honor to the Creative Arts Center in Chatham or the Jimmy Fund.