Mary Frances Firth

Mary grew up on Signal Mountain and attended Notre Dame High School before moving to Annapolis, MD. There, she graduated from St. Mary’s High School. Mary was a graduate of the University of Maryland where she earned a degree in history. She was an employee of Zoot Enterprises of Bozeman, MT where she lived for 6 years prior to returning to Chattanooga.

While living in Montana, Mary’s love of the outdoors was born. She enjoyed hiking, rafting, playing soccer, and biking but her greatest pleasure came from spending time with her friends and family. Mary was known as Auntie M to her nieces and nephews, a role she embraced and cherished. She took pride in all she accomplished including her work. Zoot was a place where she was considered more than just a coworker, but a friend. She was involved locally with the Ronald McDonald House, and was a top fundraiser for the National Brain Tumor Society’s Ride for Research each year. Mary was admired by many for her strength and her enduring spirit.

Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Molly; her brother, John; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Bielecky and Mr. and Mrs. John R. Firth; and two aunts, Ilona DeBiase and Margaret Firth.

Mary was the daughter of John A. and Andrea Firth of Caswell Beach, NC, formerly of Signal Mountain, TN. She is also survived by her sisters, Katy Firth and Jennie Sheridan; nieces and nephews, Jack, Jim, Grace, Maggie, John, and Annie; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday February 12 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 214 E. 8th St., Chattanooga, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to advance cancer research through the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge in Mary’s name online at www.runDFMC.org/2011/jennies or can be sent to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge in care of Jennie Sheridan at 23 Glendale Rd., Marblehead, MA, 01945.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.caringbridge.org/visit/maryfirth

Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel, East Ridge, TN.