Mary Doherty Dewey

Mary Doherty Dewey, of Norwich, CT passed peacefully on Thursday, September 14th after a profoundly courageous struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.  She was surrounded by her loving family and loyal friend, Janet Hargrave.  Mary was born in Pittsfield, MA on June 4, 1943, to Edward G. and Eleanor V. (Burke) Doherty.

She was predeceased by her parents, first husband Richard Etlinger, second husband Maxime Sicord, her beloved daughter Lori K. Martins and her brother Edward P Doherty.

She is survived by her husband James F. Dewey, children Shawn Etlinger (Celeste), Shannon Etlinger Baker (William), Tara Dykens (Michael), son-in-law Kely Martins, grandchildren Tonya Martz (Elias), Elizabeth Baker, Patrick Baker, Anna Baker, Daniel Baker, Mary Baker, Kerry Dykens, Lindsey Dykens, Melanie Martins (Ryan Ayotte), Lucas Martins, Antonio Martins, great grandchildren Lilah Martz and Arabella Martz and lifelong “sister friend” Ann Hobday.

Mary attended St. Joseph Central High School in Pittsfield, MA graduating in 1961.  She went on to receive her RN at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, MA in 1964.  She worked for Ledyard Public Health as a school nurse at Ledyard Middle School for 28 years.  She was the proud recipient of the Florence Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing which recognizes outstanding nurses who go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care.

"Mimi,” as she was affectionately known, was an avid sports fan faithfully cheering on the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.  Mary also enjoyed the beaches of Cape Cod, taking early morning walks, dining and shopping with her many cherished friends, and spoiling her eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Most recently, Mary was a member of the Rosary Altar Society and a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church in Norwich, CT.

While Mary will be remembered for her deep faith, extraordinary nursing career, and her dedication to her family and friends, she will also be remembered for the lavish love and deep pride she had for each one of her grandchildren.  She enthusiastically celebrated and participated in their milestones, holy sacraments, graduations, recitals, concerts, sporting events and other impressive achievements.  It is no surprise that they greatly respected and adored her!  Her grandchildren basked in her attention, visited her often, and showered her with love.  Mary’s legacy lives on in their strong spirits, bright smiles, and loving hearts. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Research Foundation for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday September 23, 2023, at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Church 52 West Town St., Norwich.  

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