DUNN, Mary (Sayers) 97, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on November 23, 2014.
Mary lived at New Pond Village, Walpole, MA, for the past several years, but home was officially Needham, MA, where she and late husband, W. Paul Dunn, raised their family and resided for 54 years.
Devoted mother of their four children, Elizabeth (Beth) Qualter of Methuen, MA, Paula Dunn of Moultonborough, NH, Christine (Tina) Dunn of Newton, MA, and Robert Dunn of Needham, MA, Mary also leaves their loving spouses, Michael Qualter and Anne Dunn, her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her brothers Gilbert and Edward Sayers and sister Elizabeth Post, all of CT.
Raised in Connecticut, Mary enjoyed school and graduated from high school early. Before going off to college, she joined the Rolling Youth Hostel and went on a nine week bicycle and rail trip across southern Canada and down the West Coast. Mary graduated from Syracuse University, Class of 1940, and after graduating, taught High School Business classes in Ithaca, NY. Two years later she interviewed with Eastern Airlines in NY, and was selected as a Stewardess. She flew during WWII until she met Paul. They married in 1948, settled in Needham, and became active members of the newly formed St. Bartholomew’s Parish. At the same time they were raising their family; Mary enjoyed playing bridge and became an avid golfer, holding a long-standing membership at the Needham Golf Club. After the children were on their own Mary began her successful real estate career as a broker with Coldwell Banker, and remained very active well into her 80’s.
She was lovingly looked after by her devoted family, attentive friends and dedicated caregivers. Mary was feisty and independent to the very end. Her spirit lives on.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. (Exit 19B off 128) NEEDHAM, Tuesday December 2nd at 9am, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Monday from 4-8pm. Interment in Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline. In lieu of flowers, Mary would wish that any expressions of sympathy be made to the charity of your choosing.