Mary A. Bacon

Mary Alice (Parrish) Bacon was born March 31, 1931 to Kathleen and James Parrish.  Life in Hingham was filled with happy childhood adventures, often involving the beach and Paragon Park.  Most of these early memories revolved around spending time with her cousins, Bob, Walter and Dick Crowley.  More than cousins, they were her brothers.  

Mary attended Hingham High School, graduating in 1948.  After attending her freshman year at Vassar College, she transferred to Boston College to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. 

Mary was a proud member of the class of 1953 from Boston College School of Nursing, only the second class to graduate from Boston College of Nursing, consisting of “20 strong” women, to include her future Maid of Honor Anne Fitzgerald, among an all-male institution.

Mary married John J Bacon on January 16, 1954.  Dad was in the Navy, stationed in Sanford, Florida.  It was in Florida where they welcomed Janice, their first daughter. Mary and John maintained close ties with their Navy friends.  Mary was especially close with Daphne Carson, maintaining a lifelong friendship.

After their Navy days, Mary and John settled in Norwood, MA, where three more children followed, Joan, John and Kathy, completing their family of six.  During her time in Norwood, Mary was a member of the St. Catherine’s Catholic Women’s Club, on the varying school PTA boards and always deeply committed to community improvement projects.  

Mary continued her Nursing career throughout her years living in Norwood.  She worked for the Needham VNA for many years.  Apart from enjoying her patients and community centered work, she truly enjoyed working with fellow BC classmate, Justine O’Neil.   Mary and Justine lived in the same neighborhood for years, compared child rearing challenges and were close companions throughout these busy years. 

Perhaps Mary and John’s greatest retirement decision was to return to the beach they so much enjoyed.  They became residents of the Town of West Yarmouth. They were active members of the Acres of Pine Association.  Per usual, Mary was involved in community life, helping wherever necessary on behalf of the neighborhood.  Mary truly found her happiness with the friends she established within this vibrant community.

Boston College!!!….Mary and John’s pride. Go Eagles!  Lifelong season ticket holders, Mary and John were avid BC football fans.  Their loyalty to the Eagles extended to the Cape, where they were Bus Captains on trips to the games.  Who knew what this entailed, but we all knew there must have been plenty of rules!  Additionally, Mary was the Secretary for the BC Alumni Club of Cape Cod.  Mary preferred handwriting over using a computer, where her perfectly detailed recording and amazing penmanship were admired by all.  

Anyone who knew Mary, also knew Skipper.  Skipper, her Boston terrier, was her constant companion, especially after Dad passed.  They took long walks together, watched sunsets and played endless games of ball.  Mary never met a dog she did not like, always collecting towels and blankets for the shelter.  

Mary was filled with compassion and love.  Her generous and kind nature shined in all she did.  She will be missed.

Her family is her legacy.  She was the beloved mother of Janice and her husband Robert Kearns, Joan and her husband Michael Smith, John and his wife Sandy Bacon and Kathleen and her husband Kevin Coghlan. She was the devoted and doting “Nanna” to Brendan Kearns, Greg and Meg Kearns, Michael and Allison Kearns, Daniel Kearns, Jessica Yang, Courtney and Mark Green, Michael J Smith, Ryan and Carolyn Smith, Tyler Smith, John Bacon III, Katelyn Coghlan and Michael McSweeney, Jill and Bryan Kinzer, Kevin Coghlan and Lissie Coghlan.  Adoring “Nanna the Great” to Brynn, Shea, Harper, Ethan, Madison, Jack, Parker and Charlie.  

We thank you for sharing in our celebration of Mary’s life. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday October 19 from 3-7 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Friday October 20^th, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, 147 North St. Hingham at 10 AM. Burial in St. Paul’s Parish Cemetery, Hingham.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Cotting School  or a charity of your choice.