Worked in college admissions, loved traveling
LYNNFIELD — Dr. Mary Elizabeth Dunn, Ed.D, of Lynnfield, passed away peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on Jan. 22, 2024 while surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born in Everett to the late Daniel Noel and Mary Dunn. She was the loving sister of the late Patricia; John of Lynnfield; and Dan and his wife Paula of Durham, New Hampshire. She was the cherished aunt of Caryn Dunn and her sons, Ronin and Liam, of Durham, New Hampshire; and was the loving aunt of Danielle Melo of Portland, Maine. Mary is also survived by several dear cousins.
Mary grew up in Everett, and graduated from Pope John XXIII High School. She held a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University, an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts. She rose through the ranks directing the admissions process at Regis College, University of Massachusetts-Boston and the college closest to her heart, Salem State University.
A desire to help others led Mary to pursue a lifelong career in higher education. She was passionate about advancing students’ education and, as a result, generations of families realized the opportunities that a college degree provided to them.
Mary always possessed a youthful sense of enthusiasm for life and will be remembered for her curious mind and her kind heart. She devoted herself to people and was fortunate to enjoy the great pleasure of strong friendships both personally and professionally. In Mary’s free time, she enjoyed nothing more than skiing on the slopes of New England or walking the shores of Nahant Beach. In the summer months, she enjoyed visiting her favorite spots on Cape Cod. She could be found most days enjoying West Dennis beach sitting by lifeguard chair number eight or savoring a lobster roll at one of her favorite spots. Following her retirement, Mary enjoyed traveling the world and delighted in spending time with friends and family, especially her beloved grandnephews Ronin and Liam.
Relatives and friends gathered to honor and remember Mary’s life during a period of visitation held at J.F. Ward Funeral Home, 772 Broadway, Everett, on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Her funeral was held at the funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 25, which was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Immaculate Conception Church, 487 Broadway, Everett. Services concluded with interment at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to Care Dimensions Kaplan House, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, or by visiting https://www.caredimensions.org/; or to Salem State University, SSU Alumni Association and Foundation, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970, or by visiting https://participate.salemstate.edu/tribute.
