Mary G. (Gallagher) Holmes, 97, of Shrewsbury, passed peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, November 10, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles R. Holmes, in 1979.

Mary leaves her beloved children: Christine L. Holmes, of Holden, Karen Holmes Ronayne, of Shrewsbury, and Nancy Holmes Fournier, of Cartersville, GA; her grandchildren: Julie Flanagan, Beth Flanagan Bond, Jan Ronayne Hefferin, Charles G. Flanagan, Jessica Augusto Austin, Robert J. Augusto, Emily H. Fournier, Allyx M. Fournier; eleven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Phyllis G. McDonough. She was also predeceased by her grandson, David H. Ronayne; and her siblings, Claire G. Lyman, James J. Gallagher, and Gerald J. Gallagher.

Mary was born in Lowell, MA, daughter of the late Hugh F. Gallagher and Adelaide (Harnden) Gallagher. She went on to graduate from high school and earned an Associate’s degree, prior to beginning her career at UMass. Mary worked for over 20 years at UMass Medical School in Orthopedics as an Administrative Assistant. Before raising her family, her early career was also in Orthopedics.

In her free time, Mary enjoyed bowling, water aerobics, and traveling with family and friends. She served as a volunteer throughout her adult life with experiences to include, but not limited to, Worcester State Hospital and the Westborough Food Pantry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/donate).

A funeral Mass honoring Mary’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will be held privately.