Mary McGillivray, age 61, a longtime resident of Holliston and Natick, died peacefully Wednesday, January 20, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was the beloved daughter of Lois (Moran) McGillivray and the late James A. McGillivray of Natick, and was an adored sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.
Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Assumption College in 1976 and was a member of Marian High School Class of 1972. She enjoyed a long career at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in Boston, most recently as Senior Editor of Kindergarten and Grade 1 Reading, where her passion and tender appreciation for the specific learning needs of young children produced creative and inspirational national reading programs. Mary loved her time at Houghton working with smart talented people and cherished her Houghton friends. Previously, Mary taught in the classroom and worked at The Middlesex News.
A sweet and gentle soul, Mary profoundly influenced all who had the good fortune of her company. She had an amazing ability to understand what was important to every person in her life, and to foster their happiness by her selfless acts of love and kindness. Whether through a simple gesture, conversation, or perfectly selected and hilarious greeting card, Mary made everyone feel like the most special person in the world. People gravitated to Mary and she treasured each of her lifelong friends. She was constantly and consistently involved in the lives of her nieces, nephews, and godchildren; traditions that Mary established with them and all their fun times together are favorite memories.
Mary had an appreciation and keen eye for beautiful things. She was creative, artistic, and known for her intricately decorated cakes and gingerbread houses. Mary had an eclectic taste in music, was an accomplished pianist, and had a beautiful singing voice. She loved watching movies and loved to read. Mary's sense for adventure took her to England, Scotland, France, China, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and throughout the US.
In addition to her mother, Mary is survived by her sisters and brothers, Janet Heyde and her husband Arthur, Patricia Tierney and her husband George, Paul McGillivray and his partner Georges Hemingway, Karen Anderson, Brian McGillivray all of Natick, and Susan McGillivray and her partner Mark Intinarelli of Hopkinton; nieces and nephews Julie, Daniel and his fiancée Rosa Fink, and Jennifer Heyde; Christopher, Conor and John Tierney; and James and Katherine Anderson. Mary was also loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins and wonderful friends.
Mary's family invites relatives and friends to celebrate her life on Wednesday, January 27 at 9:00 A.M. from the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common with by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church at 10:00 A.M.
Visiting hours are Tuesday, January 26 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Interment St. Patrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Mary's memory to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, themmrf.org. Mary's family will be organizing a blood drive in the coming months in gratitude for the generosity of others and welcomes your participation in honor of Mary.