Dr. Mary C. Lydon passed away on October 30th 2014 after a long illness.
She was predeceased by her parents Anne Lydon of Fermuse Newfoundland and Patrick Lydon of Oughterard, Ireland as well as her sisters Margaret Edwards, Barbara Kavelesky. and her brothers James Lydon and Peter Lydon. Mary is survived by her sister Nancy Wagner (Howard) of Colorado as well as many nieces, nephews.
She grew up on Blue Hill Avenue in Roxbury and graduated from Burke High School. She went on to graduate from Bridgewater State College in 1955 with a BS in Education. She earned her EdM from Northeastern University ('63) and her EdD from Boston University ('78). Mary's professional career spans several decades and included a wide range of elementary, middle and senior high school experiences in both health education and physical education. She was a highly regarded educator in the Quincy Schools, retiring as the Director of Physical Education. She also taught at the University of Massachusetts -Boston, Boston College, and Boston State College
Mary had been an advocate of gender equity in athletics since becoming a coach of girl’s CYO basketball in 1950, pushing for a level playing field for males and females a generation before Title IX’s birth. Through the years, Mary served as a coach in softball and swimming. She contributed to the body of knowledge in her professions through articles in professional journals and presented at numerous conventions at the district, state and national level. Her awards and leadership positions in professional organizations include, among many others: Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) Honor Award; the Joseph P. McKenney Award, Catherine E. Comeau Award for Professional Service from BAA; Governor's Alliance Against Drugs Citation; Pathfinder Award, National Association for Girls & Women in Sport; Community Hero Award, Impact Quincy; president of the MAHPERD; chair of the Adapted Physical Education Section of MAHPERD; and two terms as trustee of the Bridgewater State Foundation. She was also a founding member of the New Agenda: Northeast, which established the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Mary dedicated a lifetime to her profession. Her enthusiasm, creativity and leadership have had a positive and long-lasting impact on the field of health and physical education.
Visiting hours will be at the C.C. Shepherd Funeral Home, 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) So. Weymouth on Tuesday November 11th from 3-6 PM. Following the visitation, a memorial will be held from 6-7PM so that family and friends can share memories of Mary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Bridgewater University; Phys. Ed. Department Scholarship. If you would like to leave a message for the family please click on the candle.