Mary Johnstone Biondi, 91, passed away on November 13, 2019 at her home in Brewster, MA surrounded by her four daughters and loving husband, Samuel E. Biondi. Mary Biondi was born on February 19, 1928 to Alice Beattie Johnstone and William Johnstone of Milton, MA where she grew up with her parents and two sisters, Dorothy Dunlay and Ruth Johnstone. Mary graduated from Radcliffe College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Her fondest college memory was singing in the Radcliffe choir with the Boston Symphony when the announcement came that World War II had ended.
Mary traveled the world, setting her sights on exploring new places after taking a trip across America with her family at a young age. After college, Mary's compassion for others, interest in diversity, and a desire to help enhance a deeper understanding of one another across the globe, led her to receive the honor of traveling to France with the Experiment for International Living. Her worldwide travels continued through her retirement years with her husband, Sam, to many countries in Europe, as well as Turkey, Thailand, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Virgin Islands. Proud of her Celtic heritage, she especially enjoyed visiting Scotland where her ancestors resided.
Mary's career opportunities led her to New Britain, CT where she met her handsome husband while employed as a YWCA Teen Director. She raised her family of four daughters in Berlin CT, worked with the Mental Health Association and was later the Recreational Director of the Jerome Home, an assisted living facility in CT. Summering in Cape Cod since 1958 led to many enjoyable years of retirement in Brewster.
Mary's interests were diverse. They included swimming, sailing, canoeing and kayaking the marshes and inlets of Cape Cod. She especially enjoyed gardening, being outside in nature, camping at the Audubon Society in Wellfleet, watching the sunsets and moon rises with her family, and enjoying music and the arts such as Cape Cod Symphony, painting, stained glass, and sewing. A friend to so many, Mary was known for her community involvement, patience, kindness, and always lending a hand to others. She was a member of the Orleans Yacht Club, Nauset Newcomers, Secretary of the Cape Cod Harvard Club, tended the historic Brewster trough as a member of the Garden Club, gathered for stock club meetings, exercise classes, and remained intellectually stimulated and astute to world events and politics.
Mary is survived by her husband of 64 years, her four daughters Carol, Janet, Beverly and Mary Alice and five grandchildren whose relationships she cherished.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th at the First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church, 1969 Main St. Brewster, MA 02631. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist HEED fund by calling 508-896-5577 or visiting fpbuu.org. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.
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