Mary (Russell) Andrews

Whitinsville - Mary R. Andrews, 91, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus,

February 19 at St. Camillus Health Center. She was predeceased by her beloved

husband of 66 years, Herbert K. Andrews in 2013, her brother Arthur, two sisters, Muriel

and Elizabeth and her grandson, Daniel Rae. She leaves sons Russell and Everett;

daughters Gail Rae, Donna LaPrade and Julie Tamanaco, 13 grandchildren and 10

great grandchildren, a sister in-law Carolyn Cone Lavallee and many dear extended

family members.

     Our mother was born in Farmington, Maine to DVM E. Everett and Ruby (Wood)

Russell. Her memories of Maine caused her eyes to light up as she related many

stories. Her father was a well-known country veterinarian and was active in modernizing

animal care at the county and state level. Mom often told about going on calls with him,

which led to her deep love of all animals. She seemed gifted to know what any animal

was thinking and we loved her translations.

     Her mother, a nurse herself, actively supported family and community through various

charities, such as serving on the Girl Scouts Council and founding The Associated

Charities Organization. Mary was also involved in school clubs such as singing and

band, where she played the clarinet and piano. She was a member of The Girl Scouts

of America and also led a troop.

     Mom was active in school and church throughout her childhood and graduated from

Farmington High School in 1943. She went on to earn her LPN from Household Nursing

Association in Boston in 1946, working in Newburyport, MA, before marrying and

moving to Whitinsville where Dad and she raised us with love and devotion to God and

family. They faithfully served The Village Congregational Church and the community for

over 60 years. After Sunday services at their church they particularly loved delivering

flowers to shut-ins, always taking time to visit as well. They also used their talents for

the greater community through operating a thrift shop located at the church.

     In later years Mom worked at the former Inglewood Nursing Home in Northbridge, but

also remained involved in many charitable endeavors. She was twice Regent, and also

Chaplin, of the Captain Job Knapp chapter of the DAR, and volunteered with Meals-on

Wheels and the Northbridge Senior Center in the kitchen. She served on the Diaconate

as well as singing in the church choir for many years. Her love of music shone in many

ways, especially her piano playing filling our home in her quiet times. She also loved

caring for flowers, particularly African Violets.

Mom remained a joy to us despite her long journey with Alzheimer's and we were

privileged to care for her as she had cared for us. We ask that in lieu of flowers,

memorial donations would be made for the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org),

earmarking caregiver support, or to the Village Congregational Church Memorial Fund,

25 Church St, Whitinsville, MA 01588

Memorial calling hours are Friday 2/24/17 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Carr Funeral Home in

Whitinsville, and a service will be Saturday 2/25 at 11am at The Village Congregational

Church.