Mary E. Mack

Mary Ellen Mack, born on January 21, 1930, in Gardner, MA, was a lifelong resident of her beloved hometown of Gardner.

She graduated from Gardner High School with the class of 1947. A cherished beacon of joy, laughter, and resilience. Mary, a funny and spirited woman, was known for her charismatic personality that could light up any room. She dedicated her life to the service of others, working as a clerical worker for Health and Human Services with the State of Massachusetts and assisting her husband with the family business, John H. Mack Funeral Home.  She later worked for the State of Massachusetts as a clerk for North Central Human Services until her retirement in 1990.

A communicant of Annunciation Parish, she was deeply connected to the former Sacred Heart Church in Gardner where her parents married, she was baptized, met her husband and was married there on September 7, 1959 and raised her children. Mary was a member and past president of the former Catholic Women’s Club, the former Heywood Hospital Aide and the Gardner Museum.

Her resilience saw her through many of life's challenges, and her charisma ensured that she was never without a friend. As Maya Angelou once said, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." This quote was the embodiment of Mary's life.  Mary's love and joy was her family, she was the best wife, mother and Nana.

Mary leaves her beloved husband of 65 years, John H. "Jack" Mack, her children Jane E. Emmett and her husband David, Brian E. Mack and his wife Dr. Ellen M. Ray, Judy A. Mack, and Kevin J. Mack and his wife Michele. Her love for her family extended to her grandchildren: Dr. Jennifer A. Crozier and her husband,, Samuel; Jason M. LaBroad and his wife Hannah; John E. Mack and his wife, Pamela; Erin C. Mack, Lauren J Mack, Ryan J. Mack, Kate J. Mack, and Stephen J. Mack. Seven great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Finlee and Madison Mack; Adam and Austin LaBroad and Connor and Carter Crozier who all held a special place in her heart. Her love was the thread that wove her family together, and her spirit will continue to live on in their hearts.

She was predeceased by her parents, John M. and Margaret (Nolan) Conners, her sisters Margaret Bernier and Katherine Ralys, and her brother in-law James Mack.

Mary was a beacon of light in our lives and her memory will forever be a guiding star. Her funny stories, spirited laughter, and resilient spirit will never be forgotten. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." As we remember Mary, let's celebrate the wonderful life she lived and the countless lives she touched.

Mary’s life will be honored at Mack Family Funeral Homes Gardner - Chapel, 105 Central Street, Gardner. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 4-7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11 am in Holy Spirit Church 50 Lovewell St., Gardner. Burial will be private in St. John's Cemetery, Gardner.

We encourage friends and family to leave memories and upload photos to Mary's memorial page at www.mackfamilyfh.com, as a tribute to her remarkable life and as a comfort to those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations can be made in Mary’s memory to; The Levi Heywood Memorial Library, 55 W Lynde Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or The Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl Street, Gardner, MA 01440.