Mary "Nana Mary" L. O'Donnell (née Ochs) passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, in Westwood, Massachusetts, at the age of 99. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Mary was born on November 2, 1924. She had a zest for life and her motto was to never stop moving. Mary worked for many years in the cash office at Lechmere in Dedham until the store closed. At that time, she retired and moved to Millis in the early 80s, where she immersed herself in the community by joining various local town senior centers. She found joy in line dancing, senior day trips, and dinners. Mary's adventurous spirit led her to explore destinations such as the Adirondacks, Las Vegas, Ireland, England, and the Caribbean on senior bus trips or cruises. She cherished her annual trips to Daytona Beach, Florida, every February. Mary's independence and zest for life were evident in her decision to get her license at 50 and drive well into her 90's. Nana relished the freedom that her license gave her to go out daily. She also loved spending time with family, although she would occasionally skip our usual Sunday morning breakfasts if a senior event was planned. She was known for her determined energy and never wasting a moment in life.
Mary is survived by her children: Robert P. O'Donnell, Carol Smith, Paul O'Donnell, and Joan Ridge. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Christine Spencer, Eric Smith, Brad Smith, Kimberly Keaney, and Andrea Ridge; as well as her great-grandchildren: Zachary Spencer, Taylor Spencer, Samantha Keaney, and Jacqueline Keaney. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul H. O'Donnell, her twin sister Helen Bovaird, her brother Robert Ochs, and her granddaughter Carolyn Ridge.
Services to honor Mary's life will be held on March 15, 2024, at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham. The wake will take place from 10:00am to 11:30am followed by a service from 11:30am to 12:00pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. The burial will follow at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.
Mary's spirit and influence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she has left behind.
in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org/