Mary A. (Biggins) Houghton, 92, of Hingham, Massachusetts died peacefully on May 26, 2026, with her family by her side. In her final days she listened to the chatter of those she loved and who loved her, music from throughout her many decades, and reminders of the wonderful life she lived.

Mary was born in Worcester, MA to Thomas and Ella (Finn) Biggins in 1934, the youngest of five, and grew up with her sisters Ann (Allaire) and Alice (Ruskowski) and brothers Walter and Tom. Mary graduated from Ascension High School in Worcester and went on to earn a BA in English from Emmanuel College in Boston in 1956. After graduation, Mary began teaching 3rd grade at Clara Barton School in Oxford, MA where she met Curtiss Houghton who would later become her beloved husband.

Mary and Curt settled in Worcester where they built a home and raised four children. Together they created an environment where love, laughter, adventure, dedication, strong principles, and moral courage were highly valued. Family and friends, both old and new, were always welcomed into their home.

Teaching remained a passion throughout Mary’s life. She taught CCD at Our Lady of the Angels church in Worcester and often worked as a substitute teacher in the parish’s elementary school. She later taught English as a tutor in the ESL program through the Worcester Public Library and volunteered in a local elementary school after moving to Southborough, MA in 1997.

Mary was a community activist who spoke eloquently, wrote flawlessly, and did not shy away from a challenge. She served as the first woman president of the St. John’s High School parents council in the 1970s and was instrumental in creating the Oak Bluffs taxpayers association, serving as its president in the early 2000s. Mary was a fierce advocate for those who were underprivileged and often went toe to toe with those in leadership positions to foster change.

Mary loved music, reading, travel, hearty discussions and debates, but she especially enjoyed being in the presence of others. Mary’s favorite place was always near the ocean. She had many fond memories of summer vacations as a child at Green Harbor beach and carried on the tradition with her young family in the 1960s. After two lengthy cross country camping trips in the early 1970s, she and Curt invested in a summer home on Martha’s Vineyard. She spent many glorious summers enjoying the view from the porch, taking daily swims at the beach, walking along the harbor, reading in the evenings, and spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends and neighbors.

In the last years of her life, Mary’s memories were slowly stolen from her as she lived with the effects of dementia. Somehow, she maintained her sense of humor, was quick to laugh, thoroughly enjoyed social activities, and was always singing. Hers was truly a life well lived.

Mary leaves her children, Mary Beth Shertick of Hingham, Michael and his wife, Jean, of Groveland, Julie Talbot and her husband, David, of Reading, and Curtiss and his husband, Craig Matthews, of Hingham. Mary also leaves her grandchildren Katie and Meghan Houghton, Rose and Hannah Shertick, and Alex (Juliana), Nathaniel, and Cordelia Talbot. She was pre-deceased by her husband Curtiss, her son in law Paul Shertick, and many cherished family and friends.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to the dedicated caregivers and members of the Linden Ponds and Beacon Hospice communities who cared so lovingly for Mary in her later years.

Mary will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Bourne in late June. All services will be private.