Mary Jasper Obituary in Rockland at Magoun-Biggins

Obituaries

Mary Jasper

Passed 01/16/2021

Obituary For Mary Jasper

Mary Elizabeth Jasper passed away surrounded by her family on January 16, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Richard C. Jasper, her twin sister Ann Ita Golemme, and her parents Delia and Martin Walsh who immigrated from Ireland. She is survived by Ann Jasper of Rockland, Mary Boyle and her husband Jack of Marshfield, Roseann Potter of Pembroke, Sheila Horstman and her husband Scott of Clarksville, TN, Richard Jasper, Jr. and his wife Catherine of Rockland, John Jasper and his wife Cheryl of Rockland, and Lianne Jasper Gillespie and her husband Kevin of Pembroke. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She was born and raised in West Roxbury Massachusetts, a city girl at heart. She loved skiing and was known to head skiing every weekend in the winter. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas high school, Bentley College, and studied 4 years at Boston College, and various other institutions including, Northeastern University, Stonehill College, and Massasoit Community College. Mary, an eternal musician played the piano, the violin, the mandolin, the banjo and the harmonica and often entertained her family with her musical gifts. In her early years, she was first chair violinist in the West Roxbury Symphony Orchestra. She and her identical twin sister Ann performed tap dance routines for the USO during World War II. She and her sister won an MGM sponsored contest for the movie 'Two Sisters from Boston' where they dined with Lucille Ball. After finishing school, she worked for the Tribune Publishing Company, Harvard Business School for the Navy Department, Algonquin Club of Boston, and the Salada Tea Company of Boston. She loved to tell the story of her 'arranged marriage' because she met her husband Richard through his cousins and her sister. She became a certified Red Cross nurse's aid at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She raised 7 children with passion and a fierce dedication. She and Richard were very committed to education and passed along this love of life long learning to their children. Mary was dedicated to developing the individual talents of each of her seven children. She was an accomplished cook and has passed down a collection of delicious and unusual recipes. She regularly enjoyed entertaining her family with fabulous dinners at 43 Butternut Lane. Mary was a woman of great faith and was dedicated to her church and church community at Holy Family Church in Rockland throughout her life. She was a people person, loved to travel and meet new people. Mary was involved in the Mother's Club of Rockland and was named the 1968 Young Massachusetts Mother of the Year. After her children were in school, she started a career in special education by assisting mothers with special needs children, helping with the HeadStart and Exodus program in Rockland Public Schools and working at a private school for Exceptional Children. She worked with the special needs students at Rockland Junior High. Some of her experience was with Autistic Children. Her last and most beloved position was working for Dr. Bill Simmons in the Special Education department of Easton public schools where she become a certified special education advocate and organized a network of women working in special education, called WISE. After 18 years in Easton, she retired to a life of volunteerism. She served her community as a Eucharistic minister at Holy Family Church in Rockland, and volunteered at the South Shore Hospital where many community members would by greeted by her familiar smile. In retirement, she was an avid reader, piano player, played golf and tennis with her husband and greatly enjoyed her summers spent at Deer Park with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children.

Photos & Video

Photos

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

05/25/2021

Jim Fitzgibbons

I would Iike to offer your whole Family my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. I was so impressed with the fullness of her life. I can attest to her generous, giving nature as I remember how quickly she came to assist my own mother after my dad passed away- driving her to appointments, etc.. I'm sure you are all proud to have had her as your mother and will miss her. But I'm sure you all have some wonderful memories to share. and what a legacy!
05/25/2021

Scott MacKinlay

We have lost a very special lady. I have many fond memories of Mary. It was wonderful to talk with her and learn of the family happenings. My deepest sympathy to her family at this most difficult time.
05/25/2021

Madeline Lannin-Cotton

Dear Jasper Children,
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was a vibrant woman and so warm to me whenever our paths crossed at Holy Family, or anywhere and everywhere in Rockland. She will be remembered by many, many people such was her grace and vitality.
05/25/2021

Curt Slocum

Dear Roseann and Family: Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother and pillar of the Rockland community. Our mothers were friends and mine thought very highly of Mary and all of the Jaspers who were always there in friendship; from Kindergarten graduations, High School, College and beyond Mrs. Jasper always made us feel special and was, seemingly, always happy to see me. The last time I had the pleasure of speaking with her was at Rockland's Holy Family Church, Christmas Eve midnight mass. She was so proud of the Jasper family and I enjoyed our meeting/conversation very much. She was engaging, charming and a positive force that will be missed by all. Sending sincerest sympathies to the entire family."
05/25/2021

Joan Courtois

Dear Roseann and family, It is with deep sadness that I heard of your Mother's passing. Although I never met her, reading about her life shows what an amazing and accomplished woman she was! I can see that she was a living example of virtuous giving and blessed many people with her generosity. May it comfort you a little to know that you are surrounded by a community of family and friends with thoughts and prayers for you and your dear Mother.
05/25/2021

Robyn Geogan Noble

Dear Jaspers,
What a wonderful person you mother was! I have such fond memories of all of you, always welcoming me and my brother into the house and around the neighborhood on Butternut Lane. Mary treated us like were were just two more of her own kids. Always in the kitchen stirring up cauldrons of food for the family dinner, but somehow coming up with a batch of fresh cookies for the neighborhood kids. Mamie and Andy and Roseann were fabulous, fun babysitters; putting up with my antics and smiling all the time. Just like your mother. She and Ann were incredibly kind to my mother after my father died: taking her on trips to NY and just looking after her. Her memory will always be a blessing to me. May she Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!
05/25/2021

Amy-Jo Aronson-Silverman

She was one very special lady. I remember her with such fondness. I offer my condolences to all who loved her.
05/25/2021

Maggie Velinova-Hipp

Dear Jasper Family, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. What a rich and full life she lived! Although I met her nearer the end of her life, it was obvious what a true force of nature she was, and undoubtedly, continues to be. Thinking of all of you and hoping you find comfort in your memories of her.
05/25/2021

Frank & Shannon Sears

Our deepest sympathies for the Jasper family.
05/25/2021

Kathleen Mott

To my dear friend Roseanne and to her siblings, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, I am sending my most heartfelt condolences on the passing of your family matriarch, Mary. While I never met her I know how dear she was to you all. Mary accomplished many things in her life, including along with her husband, the raising of seven children. No small task for certain. May she rest in peace knowing how much her family cared. And, especially to Roseanne, who lovingly left her home and friends in California to be there and care for her mother during her final years.
05/25/2021

Philip Lelyveld

I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Mary's passing. I have fond memories of her, and will miss seeing her when I visit Butternut Lane.
05/25/2021

Peter Golemme

My dear Aunt "Mamie", a precious aunt and second mother to me, I will miss you so much. The world will not be the same without your dynamic, lively, powerful, entertaining and most of all loving presence in it. It was such a privilege to grow up with you, Uncle Rich and my 7 incredible cousins -- and then their spouses and children and now grandchildren-- as part of our family. The many memories of times we all spent together are priceless and will sustain us through the sorrow of missing you. And the older I get, the better I understand the wisdom, love and hard work that you and our parents invested in making life as wonderful for us as you possibly could. Thank you for everything you gave us during your long life, rest in peace and may you now know a happy reunion with Uncle Rich & my Mom and Dad. I will love you forever.
05/25/2021

Bill Simmons

My favorite co-worker was my biggest supporter and a special friend. We talked all the time about the importance of family, sharing so many stories, and encouraged each other to continue our professional growth and lifelong learning. Mary was a role model, a trailblazer, a humanist and a leader. I was so very fortunate that she was in my life, and I am so sad that she has left us. May she Rest In Peace.
05/25/2021

Lynda Gillespie

Mary always had a smile on her face! And the gift to gab. Her laughter will be missed by all. Sending sincerest sympathies to the entire family.
05/25/2021

Walter Byrne

Dear Lianne, Richard and your entire family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. She was a beautiful woman who set a great example for all of you to follow. As you already know by the loss of your father, the pain never goes away but neither do the wonderful memories. You are in my prayers along with your Mother.
05/25/2021

Tom Bailey

Rest in Peace Mary
05/25/2021

Kathleen Botelho Kawa

Dear Jay, Mary and Family,

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies at the passing of your wonderful Mom. She was truly such a vibrant, friendly and classy lady. She was always so impeccably dressed. She was so kind to me over the years, never ceasing to compliment me after mass, especially when I sang The Via Dolorosa at Easter time. May your memories sustain you as you take comfort in knowing she is now living her faith. God bless.
05/25/2021

Jim Billman-Golemme

Dear cousins: I'm sorry to learn of Mame's passing. She was my godmother, my aunt, my favorite client, a great cook, and a very positive person with great energy. I will miss her dearly. I'm sorry that none of my immediate family will be able to attend any services for her during the pandemic. We're all thinking of you now, and will look forward to doing our remembrance of her sometime soon. Love, Jimi
05/25/2021

Michelle Cunniff

Dear Lianne, Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, may the many years of memories give you comfort. Sending healing prayers and hugs. Michelle & Peter Cunniff