- Date Of Birth: September 27, 1935
- Date Of Death: November 20, 2022
- State: Florida
Mary Catherine Toohey, 87, of Viera, FL, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 after a hard fought battle with ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2020.
Mary was born September 27, 1935 to Daniel and Catherine Dumas of Swampscott, MA. She and her only sibling, Sheila, attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Lynn, MA, where they were taught by the Notre Dame nuns. Her Christian upbringing was important to her then and continued to be an integral part of her everyday life. She was more than just a mentor.
In High School, Mary was on the cheering squad and performed in the senior class play. She graduated with a full scholarship to Wyndham Medical Secretarial School, and later went on to attend Rivier University and Boston University for her Masters degree.
After college, Mary was employed by General Electric but continued to advance her career with other prominent employers such as American Mutual, and Digital which is now Hewlett Packard.
Mary was predeceased by her first husband, Richard A. Beatrice and daughter, Diane P. Beatrice, and survived by her beloved second husband of 40 years, John J. Toohey, daughters Jeannie Spencer (Tim), Maureen Rowson (Walt) and Debra Decoulos (Peter). Mary was the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren (Dr. William R. Newell (Katherine), Christopher Mello (deceased), Jared Hofacre (Kathryn Lanouette), Gabriel Hofacre (Tessa), Ashley Beckwith (Jason), Jessica MacMillan (Patrick), Nicholas Decoulos (Stephanie), Kevin Newell (Sarah Lawson), and Michael Decoulos (Tanya). She also beamed with pride over her 14 great grandchildren: Parker, Reese and Collier Newell, Lily Mello, Morrigan Hofacre, Dravin Schiebel, Jace Mello, Toby Hofacre, Lilith Kelley, Caspen Untiet, Ellie Decoulos, Cameron and Benjamin Decoulos, and Gracelyn Moore.
Mary had many talents and hobbies but is probably best remembered for her love of the ocean. Her appreciation came from her father who was the Harbormaster at Swampscott Yacht Club. In her younger days she could always be found at the beach and delighted in taking her daughters there so they could appreciate the sounds of the ocean and the bearing of the waves. Lots of sandy feet getting into the station wagon for the trip home! After marrying John, and moving to Marblehead, they spent most of their time playing tennis, traveling the continents and chartering sailboats. When they were home, they were at Boston Yacht Club socializing with friends, racing their Corinthian sailboat, La Jolla, shuttling back and forth on their Boston Whaler, Danny Boy, and later cruising on their cabin cruiser, Anniversary. Mary and John participated in and won many sailboat races and have accumulated a collection of prestigious awards, most of which are engraved with First Place!
After retiring 18 years ago, the happy couple left Marblehead and settled in Viera, FL. Mary continued doing volunteer work and participated in various clubs, community activities and bible studies. She still managed to keep in touch with her family, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, and made time to continue her mentorship at the local High School.
Mary will best be remembered as a courageous, kind, caring, thoughtful, generous, devoted and respected wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend with a passion for giving without expecting anything in return. She was beautiful inside and out. Her life was beautifully lived.
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Jealous of the Angels / Amazing Grace – Jen Bostic
Beautifully Lived – Marcia Ramirez
Grateful – James Casto, Home by Dark
