Obituary of Mary Catherine Toohey

Mary Catherine Toohey, 87, of Viera, FL, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 after a hard fought battle with ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2020. Mary was born September 27, 1935 to Daniel and Catherine Dumas of Swampscott, MA. She and her only sibling, Sheila, attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Lynn, MA, where they were taught by the Notre Dame nuns. Her Christian upbringing was important to her then and continued to be an integral part of her everyday life. She was more than just a mentor. She was a missionary, always finding the one person who did not belong or needed direction and taking them under her wing. In High School, Mary was on the cheering squad and performed in the senior class play. She graduated with a full scholarship to Wyndham Medical Secretarial School, and later went on to attend Rivier University and Boston University for her Masters degree. After college, Mary was employed by General Electric but continued to advance her career with other prominent employers such as American Mutual, and Digital which is now Hewlett Packard. Mary built strong and lasting friendships that stood the test of time, with calls and visits from students still taking place many years later. She was the type of person that you met once and felt like you had always known her. She was completely authentic and loved people in a genuine way. That is just one of the reasons why she was so good at teaching and mentoring young women while living in MA and continued to do so after moving to FL. It was through her encouragement and influence that her students credit their success not only in career and education planning but their personal relationships. Mary was predeceased by her first husband, Richard A. Beatrice and daughter, Diane P. Beatrice, and survived by her beloved second husband of 40 years, John J. Toohey, daughters Jeannie Spencer (Tim), Maureen Rowson (Walt) and Debra Decoulos (Peter). Mary was the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren (Dr. William R. Newell (Katherine), Christopher Mello (deceased), Jared Hofacre (Kathryn Lanouette), Gabriel Hofacre (Tessa), Ashley Beckwith (Jason), Jessica MacMillan (Patrick), Nicholas Decoulos (Stephanie), Kevin Newell (Sarah Lawson), and Michael Decoulos (Tanya). She also beamed with pride over her 14 great grandchildren: Parker, Reese and Collier Newell, Lily Mello, Morrigan Hofacre, Dravin Schiebel, Jace Mello, Toby Hofacre, Lilith Kelley, Caspen Untiet, Ellie Decoulos, Cameron and Benjamin Decoulos, and Gracelyn Moore. Mary had many talents and hobbies but is probably best remembered for her love of the ocean. Her appreciation came from her father who was the Harbormaster at Swampscott Yacht Club. In her younger days she could always be found at the beach and delighted in taking her daughters there so they could appreciate the sounds of the ocean and the bearing of the waves. Lots of sandy feet getting into the station wagon for the trip home! After marrying John, and moving to Marblehead, they spent most of their time playing tennis, traveling the continents and chartering sailboats. When they were home, they were at Boston Yacht Club socializing with friends, racing their Corinthian sailboat, La Jolla, shuttling back and forth on their Boston Whaler, Danny Boy, and later cruising on their cabin cruiser, Anniversary. Mary and John participated in and won many sailboat races and have accumulated a collection of prestigious awards, most of which are engraved with First Place! After retiring 18 years ago, the happy couple left Marblehead and settled in Viera, FL. Mary continued doing volunteer work and participated in various clubs, community activities and bible studies. She still managed to keep in touch with her family, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, and made time to continue her mentorship at the local High School. Mary will best be remembered as a courageous, kind, caring, thoughtful, generous, devoted and respected wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend with a passion for giving without expecting anything in return. She was beautiful inside and out. Her life was beautifully lived. There will be no service at Mary’s request. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to extend your kindness to a healthcare worker or a first responder or donate to one of the suggested charities, in Mary’s name. Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Jealous of the Angels / Amazing Grace – Jen Bostic Beautifully Lived - Marcia Ramirez Grateful – James Casto, Home by Dark