Mary Margaret (McAndrew) Conlon, 79, of Pocasset passed peacefully to Heaven surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy illness. She endured her health decline with grace, grit, and acceptance, and will be missed beyond words.
Mary was born June 1, 1943, in Boston to the late Sgt. George F. and Helen (Murphy) McAndrew. She was raised in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas HS in 1961. She established a long career in nursing and moved to Pocasset in 1975 with her husband Gerry where they raised their family. Mary, an RN, had a true passion for nursing, but health issues led to early retirement, with her last role as Director of Nurses for a Cape-area nursing home. She was a long-time communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Pocasset.
Mary was vibrant, full of life, and guided by her tremendous faith in God. She exemplified kindness and compassion, always looking to serve others. She was a dear friend to many, never hesitant to step up and care for anyone in need. Mary loved music, dancing, reading, and travel, and was the life of the party wherever she went, bursting with laughter and stories. Mary especially enjoyed her winter “snow bird” community in Florida and trips to Aruba. But nothing brought her more joy than smothering her beloved grandchildren whom she insanely adored. She was the self-described ‘outlaw’ grandma, encouraging her grandbabies to run wild with fun.
Her greatest impact in life was as a selfless, dedicated mother to her three sons, rising to the challenge of raising them on her own after becoming a widow in 1989. Her ‘boys’ always came first; she shared her deep faith with them and was their biggest cheerleader.
Mary leaves three sons: CPL Paul Conlon and his wife Nikki of Sun City Center, FL; Mark Conlon and his wife Carrie of Acton, MA; and Scott Conlon and his wife Katherine of Bourne, MA. She was “Grandma Meme” to her grandchildren Sheehan, LCpl Jonathan, Anna, Ryan, Charlie, Greta, and Ruthie, as well as her “honorary” grandchildren Kaitlin, Jonathan, and Gillian Zelman who were true blessings in her life. She was also beloved “Auntie Mamie” to her three cherished nieces Michelle, Patrice and Marybeth. She was predeceased by her husband Gerry, brother George Jr., and parents George Sr. and Helen. We’d like to express special thanks to the wonderful staff at McCarthy Care Center for their kindness and compassion.
A visitation will be held at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, located at 154 MA-6A in Sandwich, on Monday, August 15 from 4 to 7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 16 at 11AM at Corpus Christi Parish, followed by burial at Sandwich Town Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.
