The road rose to meet Mary Teresa O'Leary Martin, of Derry, on Friday September 5, 2014, in her daughter's lakeside home. She was in the company of loving and devoted family members at the time of her death.
Born in Somerville Ma on June 30, 1927, Mary was the daughter of Dennis & Mary (Lee) O'Leary, Irish immigrants. Her brothers Jack O'Leary of Winchester MA & Dennis O'Leary of Dorchester MA, predeceased her. Her twin sister Margaret & sisters Rita & Joan survive her and live on the Cape.
She was married to John Martin, who died in 2000. Mary also lost her son John A Martin in 2013 to MS.
Mary grew up and went to school in Arlington MA. She worked at Filene's and other locations in Boston as a youth. In 1947 she got married and moved to Somerville and worked at Tufts University while her children were growing up. The family moved to Derry in 1971 and Mary worked at Treasure Masters until her retirement.
Mary loved being with friends and family. She spent many hours with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and made each one an afghan which they all cherish. She will be remembered as the warm, loving, generous, kind-hearted woman who greeted those who needed her with open arms. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Mary was involved in many Senior activities and clubs, the Derry Seniors, Chester Seniors and St Thomas's Tabernacle Society for Women. She even had her knees replaced in order to keep up her many activities and line dancing which she loved. Mary's line dancing was the hit of many family weddings and gatherings.
Mary is survived by three of her children, her daughters Susan Kretschmer and her husband Dutch of Laconia, Pam Martin of Derry, her son Dennis & wife Susan of Millinocket ME. She is also survived by her daughter in law, sisters and sister in law Mary O'Leary 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren. Many nieces & nephews and close friends. Including all those at Derry Meadows apartments.
Most of all, Mary loved being Irish and was proud of her Irish heritage. A devout Catholic and member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. She made the best Irish Bread and made it the whole year round, bringing a smile to that of everyone who was lucky enough to get that special loaf.
The visiting hours were held on Monday, September 8th from 5-8pm in the Peabody Funeral Home and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry NH. A Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday September 9th at 10:00am in St Thomas Aquinas Church, Crystal Avenue, Derry. The burial will follow in Chester NH at the Great Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central NH VNA Hospice, 780 North Main St Laconia NH 03246/ Mary loved life. In keeping with her joyous personality, Mary has asked that everyone attending the wake or services please wear pastel colors. Following the funeral service, family and friends are invited to a celebration of Mary's life at the Granite Rose, Hampstead NH.