Mary was born in Skowhegan, ME to Alice Mary (Hardy) Alexander and James Willard Alexander on July 1, 1936. At the age of five, Mary’s family moved to Lancaster, NH. She attended Lancaster Academy where she was captain of the school’s cheerleading team. After graduating in 1954, Mary attended the University of New Hampshire. There she was a member of Sophomore Sphinx and Alpha Chi Omega sorority. At UNH, she met her future husband, Hazen McLaren, Jr. They were married on October 13, 1956 in Karlsruhe, Germany where Hazen was serving in the U.S. Army. Sixty-seven years of marriage took them to homes in White Plains NY, Cornwall NY, Baldwinsville NY, Westford MA, Barnet VT and Myrtle Beach SC. Mary’s outgoing personality and community involvement created a network of lifelong friendships from all these communities.
While raising her children, Mary served as an educator in Westford. In later years, she worked in the underwriting department of Minuteman Insurance/Sentry Insurance Co. in Concord, MA.
Mary was a talented seamstress and needleworker. She was an enthusiastic Boston Celtics fan for over fifty years. As a lifelong Episcopalian, Mary served on the vestry and as the first female chalice bearer at St. Mark’s Church in Westford.
Mary is survived by her husband Hazen McLaren, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, her daughter Lynn McLaren, and her son Roderic McLaren and his wife Pamela. She is also survived by her grandchildren Brandon McLaren, Heather McLaren and Courtney McLaren. She was predeceased by her parents and a sister Marjorie (Alexander) Conway.
A celebration of life is planned for April 20th at 2:00 pm at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC. A graveside ceremony is planned for a later date in Barnet, VT.
Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the Lancaster Academy Alumni Fund or to the American Cancer Society.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5