Mary A. Tobin of Sharon, formerly of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was the beloved wife of James Tully; devoted mother of Sarah (Tobin) Galante of Dedham, Emily McPherson and her husband, Peter Sargent, of New Hampshire, and Izabelle Tully and her husband, Christian Kachmar, of New Jersey; and loving grandmother of Nathaniel “Nate” Galante, Ione Decoteau, Sonya Sargent, and Ruby James Kachmar. She was the dear sister of Janet Duncan of South Carolina and the late Kathleen “Kate” Tobin. She is also survived by her niece, Zoe Tobin, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
Mary was many things to many people, but her dear cousin Rose described her best when she called her “unapologetically herself.”
As a young woman, Mary worked at the Horse Stables on Williams Street in Jamaica Plain, where she relished caring for those majestic animals. After returning to school, ultimately earning her master’s degree in environmental sciences, she devoted herself to public health.
She spent most of her career as a Senior Analyst for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, researching and developing preventative measures for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Lyme disease.
In 1993, Mary married the love of her life, James Tully. The devotion they shared was awe inspiring. They remained deeply in love throughout their marriage, and for those who knew them well, it is nearly impossible to imagine one without the other. Together, they built a life filled with beautiful memories and raised their three girls with love and laughter.
Mary’s greatest joy was being a mom to Sarah, Emily, and Izabelle. She loved simply being with them. She instilled in her daughters the qualities she held dear: a love of reading, the power of a strongly worded and well written letter, a commitment to social justice, a thirst for knowledge, a willingness to understand other points of view, empathy, compassion, and a readiness to help others when they needed it. Her quick wit and unique way of seeing the world brought endless laughter and created countless cherished memories.
She also treasured her role as a grandmother to Nate, Ione, Sonya, and Ruby James. She shared a unique and beautiful relationship with each of them and took great joy in watching them grow. Mary was a fierce and zealous advocate for those she loved. She never hesitated to question authority or speak up for someone she cared about. This was one of the ways she expressed her love.
She cherished her friendships and was always ready to share a cup of coffee and something sweet with anyone who happened upon her door. Mary lived through intense interest in the authentic experience of other people. She wanted to know what they kept in the deeper quieter depths of their souls. She conversed by questions: “What did you think of that?”and “Why?” She had no patience for false postures or the merely conventional, preferring to know that part of you that was truly you.
Mary was an avid reader and a gifted poet. She loved wildflowers, gardening and Trader Joe’s vanilla bean Chantilly cake. She always delighted to spot a hummingbird, raven or deer through her kitchen window. Throughout her life, she had many beloved dogs—Barcus, Oozo, Margret, Olive, Smarty, Rocky, Birdy, and Luca. In her later years, she held a particularly special affection for Luca and loved taking him on long walks. To everyone who knew Luca, it seemed that he was truly her spirit animal.
She was deeply spiritual and enjoyed learning about different faiths and perspectives. Mary wholeheartedly believed that 4:44 was a special time of day, when angels were especially close and watching over us. She found something beautiful and comforting in that moment, believing that seeing 4:44 was a gentle reminder that angels were near.
So, if you happen to look at the clock and see 4:44, take a moment to think of Mary. Remember her beautiful spirit, her love, and the joy she brought into your life. And know that, in that very moment, Mary is now one of the angels surrounding you, watching over you and reminding you that love never truly leaves us.
Mary lived with curiosity, conviction, humor, compassion, and an unmistakable sense of self. She loved deeply, advocated fiercely, laughed freely, and left an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
She will be profoundly missed and forever loved.
Funeral Service and Interment Private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter: www.nationalmssociety.org -or- The Jane Goodall Institute: https://janegoodall.org
For the guest book, please visit www.gormleyfuneral.com.