Mary M. (Murphy) Dennehy

Mary M. (Murphy) Dennehy, of Hingham, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters. She was 81.

Born in Cambridge on October 29, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Humphrey and Helen (Dennehy) Murphy. Mary was raised in Arlington and attended Arlington High School and Matignon High School in Cambridge. The friendships Mary fostered in Arlington were strong, and she maintained them for more than 70 years.

Mary raised her children in Cohasset where she relished the smell of salt air and the sound of crashing waves. A lifelong lover of nature, she found solace in her cherished rock garden and peace in the beauty around her. Mary was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for poetry, and counted herself lucky that her best friend and next-door neighbor was also the town librarian. Birdwatching was another passion, and she could frequently be found on her sunporch with binoculars and a field guide.

Known for her big heart, Mary had an open-door policy at her home on Summer Street, always welcoming friends, family, and newcomers. Her social nature assured success in both her careers. She expertly managed two independent bookstores in Hingham, The Hingham Square Bookshop and Bookport, where she combined her love of books with a sense of purpose. Customers relied on her reviews, and delighted in a phone call from Mary that a book had arrived in the shop that undoubtedly would be perfect for them. Later, Mary pursued a career in advertising sales for The Mariner community newspapers and The Patriot Ledger. She was passionate about helping local businesses grow and foster communities, and she enjoyed her days “on the road.”

Above all, Mary loved her children and grandchildren fiercely. She took immense pride in her three daughters, whom she affectionately called her “three dahlin’s.” She taught them the value of slowing down, accepting the unfamiliar, and remaining open to new experiences. A “girl mom” through and through, Mary was always there for her daughters and their friends with a listening ear, an understanding heart, a sassy remark, and a mischievous laugh.

Mary’s kindness, generosity, and sly sense of humor will never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and warmth that will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her.

Mary is survived by her daughters and sons-in law Jennifer and Thomas Anderson of Hingham, Deirdre Beguerie of Weymouth and Larry Beguerie of Scarborough, Maine, and Meredith Deveney and Sush Prusty of Hingham. She was the loving Mimi of Emma Beguerie and her partner Dylan Morrill of Boston, William Anderson and his wife Kaila of Louisville, Kentucky, Caroline Beguerie of Boston, Nolan Anderson of Hingham, Tess Prusty of Hingham, and William Prusty of Hingham. Mary was the dear sister of Helen Minihane and late husband Robert of Osterville, Robert Murphy and his wife Elizabeth of Scituate, the late Lawrence Murphy, and the late Lee Ann Heiser. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephew, and former husband William Deveney and his wife Linda Getgen of Norwell.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary's Memorial Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10 AM in St. Anthony's Church, 10 Summer St., Cohasset, MA 02025.

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Mary's name to the Paul Pratt Memorial Library, 35 Ripley Street, Cohasset, MA 02025.