GLOUCESTER: Mary C. (Sikora) Gauthier, 74, of Wheeler Point, died Sunday afternoon, January 6, 2013 following a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Thomas F. Callahan, who died in July of 1985 and the late Jerry “Ace” Gauthier, who died in March of 1999.
Born in Peabody on January 19, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Stella (Driscoll) Sikora. She grew up in the house that is now the “Epicurean Shop” on Rte. 114 next to the Century House. She made a point of reminding anyone and everyone she was with when she passed it by.
A graduate of the Peabody High School class of 1956, she recently attended her 56th class reunion. She lived in Lynn while raising her family and moved to Ipswich when her children were teenagers. She moved to Gloucester 8 years ago and truly loved being there.
Mary took pride in the fact that she considered herself a true domestic goddess. Having been provided for by two husbands, which enabled her to stay home and watch as many game shows as she could in a day. Her favorites were, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
Mary loved to give out her favorite recipes to anyone who complemented one of her tasty creations. She lived with her daughter, Debra, on the Annisquam River and loved counting boats, feeding birds and enjoying any storm that came in; especially thunder storms.
Mary was the kindest, most loving and generous person you could imagine. She has left us with smiles on our faces and stories that will forever bring us to tears in laughter. For sure, she will not be forgotten and to call her brave is an understatement. She was a tough, strong willed woman who was deeply loved by family and friends.
She leaves behind her remaining children; son, Thomas Callahan and his wife, Robin and their two sons, grandsons, Cole and Avery Herbst; her daughter, Debra Callahan and her partner, daughter-in-law, Paula Parsons; her daughter-in-law, Carrie Callahan of Georgetown, and her two children; grandson, Ryan Callahan and granddaughter, Lindsay Callahan. She also leaves behind her lifelong and beloved best friend, Dotty Ingalls of S, Hamilton, and among many nieces and nephews, a close niece, Kristen Sikora; her grand-dogs, Dingo, Boomer and Sheila as well as 8 grand-hens, Nugget, Cutlet, Ala Queen, Soup, Pot Pie, Marsala, Parmesan and Little. She was also predeceased by her first born child, Larry Callahan of Georgetown and brothers, Richard, Ralph and Paul Sikora.
In keeping with her wishes, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Development Office at Mass General Hospital, Attn: Shawn Fitzgibbons, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 (please note ALS). Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester.