Obituary of Mary M. (Marrs) O'Hara

Mary M. (Marrs) O’Hara, 82, of Peabody, died Monday evening at the Atrium in Danvers. She was the wife of the late Edward R. O’Hara. Born in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Anne (Kenneally) Marrs. She was a life long resident of Peabody, attended Peabody Public Schools and was a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1944. After high school, Mary attended Salem State College and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1948. She taught third grade for over 32 years at the Center School in Peabody before retiring in 1992. Mary’s teachings impacted a generation of young people who fondly remember her as “their favorite teacher.” She was a member of the Massachusetts Retired Teachers Association. Mary enjoyed traveling for much of her life including visits to France, England, Morocco, Italy, Iceland, and Ireland. Mary was a devoted and loving grandmother and cherished the time she spent with all of her grandchildren. Her patience, humor, and understanding provided many memorable moments. The thing Mary cherished the most was spending time with her three daughters. She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and George King of Boxford, Kathleen O’Hara-McMahon and her husband Martin McMahon of Danvers, and Patricia and Thomas Bettencourt of Peabody, a brother, William Marrs of Ashland, a sister, Anne “Nancy” Comeau of Wells Beach, Maine, her five cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Jaclyn King, Kristen and Brian Bettencourt, and Kaitlyn McMahon, and is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Richard Marrs. “If we could have one lifetime wish, one dream that could come true, we would pray to God with all our hearts for yesterday and you!” With love from your girls. Her funeral service will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.