Paxton—Mary E. (Manning) Hafey, died Sunday, January 13, 2008, at home. She was 79. She leaves her husband of 55 years, Richard J. Hafey; four children, Catherine M. Hafey of Greenfield, CDR. John R. Hafey (USN-Ret.) and his wife, Gail, of Springfield, Va., Margaret E. Hafey of Leesburg, Va., and William J. Hafey of Paxton; two grandchildren, Jenna and J.T. Hafey of Springfield, Va.; and a great-granddaughter, Layla Grace Hafey of Springfield, Va.
She was born in Northampton, daughter of Harold and Alice (Hall) Manning and was a graduate of Smith College. Despite being stricken with polio a month after graduation, she recovered to lead a life dedicated to her family. She was an accomplished artist. Mary held many part-time jobs through the years, from library assistant to sales, but her greatest satisfaction came from working as a legal aid secretary in Prospect House in its early days on Prospect Street, Worcester.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Columba’s Church, 18 Richards Avenue, Paxton, Saturday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m. There are no calling hours; burial will be private. The family requests that flowers be omitted and donations made in her name to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608 in appreciation of the many dedicated and loving nurses who cared for Mary in her final days. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester is directing arrangements. For on-line condolences, please click below.