Mary Burns

Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Mary (Conway) Devitt.

A 1968 graduate of Emmanuel College, she earned a master’s degree in education from Bridgewater State College in 1970, starting her career as a teacher and later adjustment counselor for the Fall River School Department.

After earning her law degree from Suffolk University and passing the Massachusetts Bar Exam on her first try, she worked as assistant district attorney for Suffolk County.

A 25-year career in bond trading with Fidelity Investments followed. Mary retired as vice president of institutional trading in 2011.

Mary had been a Quincy resident for more than 20 years, having previously lived in Boston.

She loved traveling the world, especially to Paris and Ireland. She loved live theater, show tunes and good food. More than anything, she loved spending time with and giving to her family and many friends.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, integrity, humor, independence, resilience, passion for life and boundless generosity.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Paul and William Devitt, nephew Tim Devitt, and former husband Robert Burns.

She is survived by brother Mark Devitt and his wife Elizabeth of Fall River; nephew Phil Devitt of Fall River; and niece Amanda Corcoran and her husband Doug of Orland Park, Illinois.

Her funeral service will be Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours are Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to the Emmanuel Fund at Emmanuel College via alumni.emmanuel.edu, or to Jesuits USA East Province, care of Loyola House, 300 Newbury St., Boston, Mass., 02115. For directions and tributes, www.waring-sullivan.com