Shelburne Falls, MA – 1930 – 2026
It is with heavy hearts and with great sorrow we announce the passing of Mary Lane, 95, on March 6, at her home in Shelburne Falls.
Mary was born May 11, 1930, in Manchester, NH, raised in Turners Falls, and later moved to Shelburne Falls to live on Water Street, where she spent her summer nights on the screened-in porch, listening to the deer that crossed the Deerfield River.
In her younger years, Mary worked at the Farren Hospital, Charlene Manor, Big Y, and as a much-loved teacher’s aide for preschoolers at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School until 2014.
About 30 years ago, she moved into Highland Village where she could be seen participating in countless events and potluck dinners, including serving meals at her own table celebrating the holidays with those who might otherwise be alone.
Mary was one of those cheerful, energetic people. As recent as last year, she could be seen walking the one-mile round trip downstreet to do her errands, greeting everyone she met, no matter the weather conditions, pushing her rolator with its basket full of results from her shopping. Walk with her anywhere, and you would witness many greetings from passersby, including her former students, rushing to give “Miss Mary” a hug.
Every spring through autumn, she spent her morning hours and evenings creating and maintaining her beautiful flower garden, and in between she enjoyed all the birds that dropped in for a visit.
Mary loved shopping and eating out with family and friends, and most especially spending time with the youngest family members, Harper and Henry. She also loved all pets, with cats and dogs among her favorites-she even had a few of her own kitties, most recently her beloved Fluffy, who would be put on a leash to join Mary on walks around the village.
Perhaps what Mary enjoyed most was adventure, even if it was only to hop in the car for a simple drive to nowhere, as driver or passenger. With her sister Jo and their friends Paula and Vivian, it would not be unusual to head out to explore Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Cape Cod in particular. Mary flew to California to visit family, and she was proud to have made her dream trip to Ireland to explore her mother’s birthplace in Galway.
Mary leaves behind her beloved sister Jo O’Keefe of Milford; her niece Aimee Larkin; nephews David Barrows (Ellen), Louis Barrows (Kim), Patrick Gomez; and many great-nieces and -nephews. She leaves her “Guardian Angels” of 30-plus years, Laurie Griswold (John) and Darlene Peters (Mark) and their families; her best friend Noreen O’Brien; and wonderful friend Joan Ward; as well as many good friends at Highland Village, the Senior Center, and throughout the town of Shelburne Falls.
Mary was predeceased by two brothers, Allen Barrows Jr., and John McNamara, and sister Barbara Bernard.
Mary’s family wishes to thank the dedicated Hospice nurses and staff for their support and special care to Mary and her family. A heartfelt thank you to LifePath for all the love and care given to Mary over the years. The family also wishes to thank Johnson Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, for their care and support in handling all the arrangements.
Mary will be greatly missed in our community, by young and old. A celebration of her long and beautiful life will be held from 10-noon, Saturday, May 9, at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center at 53 Main Street, Shelburne Falls.
In lieu of flowers, if you are so moved, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Dakin Animal Shelter.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes