Mary C. Gardner

Mary C. Gardner (Clough), born on May 19, 1942, in Dorchester, Daughter of the late William and Helen Clough, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy, characterized by her unwavering kindness, selflessness, and boundless passion for life.

Mary dedicated a significant portion of her career to Bay State Services, where she spent 20 years excelling in various administrative support roles. Known affectionately as “the Queen of Baystate”, she was a beacon of support and encouragement for her colleagues and the clients they serve, always ready to lend a helping hand and step in wherever needed.

Throughout her life, Mary had a profound love for drum & bugle corps, a passion that ran deep. In her younger years, she was a proud member of the St. Kevin's Emerald Knights. In her adult years she became actively involved in Sir Thomas More Drum & Bugle Corps with her children. She was affectionately referred to as “Ma” by many of the corps members. Her commitment to the art continued into her later years when she joined the Boston Crusaders Senior Color Guard, allowing her to remain active in a pursuit she cherished dearly. She marched and performed with the corps well into her 70’s.

Family was at the heart of Mary's existence. She took immense pride in watching her family grow, especially cherishing her role as a grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of 2. Her love for family was apparent to all who knew her, and they were her greatest joy. She was also a devoted Catholic.

Beloved Mother to David and Dayna Gardner of East Bridgewater, Craig and Dawn Gardner of Easton, James and Tamara Gardner of Braintree and Denise and Joseph Meehan of Weymouth. Devoted grandmother to James, Ryan, Jonathan, Courtney, Cameron, Devin, Griffin, Dexter, Sydney, Bailey, Tyler, and Kylie. Loving great grandmother to Jamison and Delaney. Loving sister to William and Anne Clough of Dorchester, Marguerite McCarthy of Weymouth, Annemarie and Clifford Osbourne of Walpole, Kathleen Clough and Donna Gifford of Hyde Park, and John and Susan Clough of Hyde Park. She was cherished by many nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by her former husband Edward Gardner and her longtime partner Francis Dooley.

Mary C. Gardner will be remembered not only for her contributions to drum corps and her professional life but also for her fun-loving spirit, her deep friendships with so many people, and her caring nature. She touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours of 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday, 2/23/2025 at the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home South Weymouth at 809 Main Street (Rte.18 opposite South Shore Hospital). A Celebration of life will be held at the Funeral Home the following morning at 9:15am prior to the Funeral Mass on Monday, 2/24/2025 at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Church, Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be made to Bay State Community Services in Quincy Massachusetts.