Mary Preskenis

PRESKENIS, Mary Jane (Murphy) of Norwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 5, 2022, surrounded by her adoring children and grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her husband of 30 years and love of her life, William R. Preskenis, Sr, her infant son David, and her beloved parents, Henry and Mary Murphy of Cambridge, MA. Loving mother of Mary Therese Leonard and her husband Doug, of Westford MA, William R. Preskenis Jr. and his wife Jane of Simsbury CT, Paul Preskenis of Coral Springs FL, Julie Mackinnon and her husband William of Franklin, MA and Steven Preskenis and his wife Maureen of Westwood, MA. Cherished Nana to Doug Jr, Christine, Erin, Kirsten, Billy, Timmy, Christopher, Isabella, Julia, Ava and Luke. Nana had a deep and special love for each of her 11 grandchildren and children and she was the center of their world, as they were to her. Also survived by her brother, Henry Murphy and his wife Carol, of Lexington MA. She loved her little brother “Buddy” and Carol and they shared a lifetime of memories as siblings and best friends. Devoted sister in law to Donald and June Preskenis of Harwich, MA, Linda and Bill Kelley of Franklin, MA and the late Bob and Eileen Preskenis, of Northport, Maine. Cherished Aunt Mary to her many nieces and nephews.

Mary was born in Cambridge, MA, graduated from Saint Mary's High School in 1951 and from the Chandler School for Women in 1953. She married her love William in 1955. Together they had six children, settled down to build their life together in Norwood, MA, and enjoyed every summer at their family cottage in Humarock, MA. Mary went to Humarock for over 65 years, most recently on a bright and sunny day in October. It was the place she loved most, always filled with the family and friends who were the greatest joys in her life. She loved the beach and the sounds of the ocean, the bonfires and fireworks on the 3rd of July, the endless visits from family and friends and the beautiful sunsets at the end of each glorious day.

In her later years, Mary spent her winters in Vero Beach FL, where she had many close friends and wonderful times. She returned to her treasured Humarock each summer. Mary lost her husband suddenly in 1985 and in her grief and loss, she relied on her deep faith in Jesus and the love of all those who loved her so much to bravely carry on and live an incredibly full and rewarding life. Mary's “Second Act” was one for the ages. Although she had lost her partner, she was determined to love her children with enough love for two parents, and she did just that.

Mary was a caring and generous soul, with endless kindness and empathy towards others. After losing her beloved Bill, she founded a bereavement group at Saint Timothy's Parish to help those struggling with loss. Mary was always passionate about education, and returned to college in her late 50s, graduating with Honors from Umass Boston at the age of 62. While at Umass she founded a program to support older returning students and penned beautiful stories for the school newspaper, including a story of her love Bill that she titled “A Breath Away”.

Mary worked for years as an office manager at Newton Wellesley Hospital and after graduating from Umass, worked at the MA Attorney General’s Office heading up the Elder Hotline to help the elderly with a range of issues. When not working or volunteering, she was always with family, friends or at the very least, talking with them on the phone. Mary cherished every moment she could spend with her children and grandchildren, who were blessed to have her at every recital, school play, first communion, graduation, birthday or holiday or any special event or day that couldn’t be complete without Nana. She was always there with love and encouragement and her greatest joys were her special times with her family.

Mary was a blessing to those that loved her and all who knew her. Our mom created and nurtured a close and loving family that will remain her legacy for generations to come. Mom, everything we are is because you loved us so. You were our everything. You were our hero. Your beautiful light will remain in our hearts forever.

Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours @ Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, Norwood on Tuesday, January 11th, 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Timothy's Parish, Nichols Street, Norwood on Wednesday, January 12th at 10:30 AM. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, Needham MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to Rosie’s Place at www.rosiesplace.org or to Father Bill’s at www.helpfbms.org