Published August 30, 2019
HOLYOKE — Mary E. (Donovan) Mingo, 98, a resident of Holyoke and formerly of Malden and Stoneham, passed away peacefully at Day Brook Village Center Nursing on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.
Mary was born in Malden on April 30, 1921, one of seven children of the late John and Beatrice (Prowse) Donovan. Raised in Malden, Mary graduated from Malden High School, Class of 1939, and worked as a bookkeeper in a local dental office for many years. In February of 1942, she was married to William T. Mingo at St. Joseph’s Church in Malden. As the wife of a B24 bomber pilot during WWII, Mary traveled the country at the beginning of their marriage, before returning to Malden to raise three children.
Mary was a strong, selfless woman who raised three young children after the loss of her husband at an early age. A dedicated and caring mother, Mary always welcomed family and friends with an open heart and a warm meal to her house for the holidays and family events. Her home in Malden served as a gathering place for generations of family and she was always baking her famous apple pie, chocolate chip cookies and hermit cookies for all. Later in life, as her mother grew older, she served as caretaker and supportive daughter with the help of extended family. A Gold Star wife, Mary carried her love for Bill in her heart forever.
In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge, canasta or just “go fish” with her grandchildren. With a love for words, she was an avid reader, and enjoyed playing scrabble with her family. She also enjoyed traveling to Florida, going on bus trips with family, and going out to eat.
Mary will be greatly missed, but her strong will, and determination that supported and shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren will carry on as her legacy.
The Mingo family wishes to extend their warm thanks and appreciation to the staff of Day Brook Village (formerly Loomis House) for their care and concern over the last several years.
Mary was the beloved wife of the late William T. Mingo with whom she shared 23 years of marriage. Devoted mother of William T. Mingo and his wife Paula of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Kathleen M. Albert and her husband James of Holyoke, and John R. Mingo and his wife Ruth of Billerica. Predeceased by her siblings, John “Jack” Donovan, Ethel Donovan, Beatrice Hawkes, Walter Donovan, Marguerite Armstrong, and William Donovan. Cherished grandmother of Betsy Aldredge and her husband Marcus of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Katelyn Mingo of Billerica, Courtney Costin and her husband Eric of Billerica, Marykate Albert of Holyoke, and Kristyn Magwire and her husband Sean of Marlborough. Proud great-grandmother of Ginny Aldredge, Brayden Costin, Patrick Magwire, and Cora Magwire. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Mary’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, August 29 from 4-8 p.m., and again on Friday at 8:45 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem St., Malden for her funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment at Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre St., Newton MA 02458, or to Trinity Health of NE at Home 200 Hillside Circle, Ste. 2, W. Springfield, MA 01089. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
