Mary M. Morrissey

WORCESTER-Mary M. Morrissey, 81, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30 in Knollwood Nursing Center.

She leaves three children, Christopher P. Brown of Kansas, Rebecca E. Brown of North Oxford, Timothy R. Brown and his wife, Michele (Roy) Brown of West Boylston; two siblings Ann Petricca of Clinton and  Joseph Morrissey and his wife, Nancy of North Carolina; two sisters in law, Carolann Morrissey of Connecticut and Jean Morrissey of Shrewsbury; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by five siblings, Helen Morrissey of Worcester; Sheila (Morrissey) Smith; Daniel, Edward, and John Morrissey, her sister-in-law, Mary Morrissey, and her brothers-in-law Carl Petricca and Donald Smith. She was born in Worcester, daughter of Michael J. and Julia A. (Donoghue) Morrissey and moved to Auburn to raise her family, where she lived for 35 years.

Being the youngest of 8 children in a first generation Irish-American household, Mary made it known at an early age that she intended to be her own person and was not just the 'little sister' (though the nickname Mouse was permanent !). This individualistic spirit was at the core of who Mary was. 

Mary was an elementary school teacher for most of her career. She taught in Auburn and Worcester schools and later became a substitute teacher in both school systems. After retiring from teaching, she became a product demonstrator at BJ’s Wholesale Club where she enjoyed catching up with people she had met over the years. Mary was fond of music and dancing and loved when her Uncle Gene played her family's favorite Irish songs on his accordion. She loved vacationing in New Hampshire, Maine and Cape Cod, walking the beaches, especially the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. She also loved to cook for those close to her, and especially loved sharing meals with her children.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Knollwood Nursing Center and JAC Hospice for the compassionate care they provided Mary, and a very special thank you to her roommate, friend, and adopted big sister, Florence Goodrich for being a true friend and always watching out for her.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, February 5 at 11am in St. Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will be private in the Spring in St. John’s Cemetery. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.