Mary M. Heatley

December 10, 1948 - April 26, 2025

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Obituary for Mary M. Heatley

Mary M. Heatley, 76, of Rockland passed peacefully on April 26,2025 in the presence of her beloved son Jason and her husband Gerald (Jerry) Heatley.

Mary was a graduate of South Boston High School. She worked in the medical arena as an office manager for a number of years before becoming the Medical Librarian at St Margaret's Hospital in Dorchester. She also worked at UMass Boston doing Survey Research.

Mary met Jerry while both worked at St Margaret's. They married on the beach in Scituate and spent 45 wonderful years together. Jason was the center of Mary's life. She loved playing with him and watching him grow. She was a proud mom.

Mary loved music, dancing and was a skilled piano and organ player. She loved cooking and especially baking. Her banana bread was legendary. She was a cat mom and loved playing with Lucy, Watson, Shirlock , Audrey and April, the cats that were part of the household over the years. She loved to travel, and had so much fun on cruises, vacations and weekend getaways. She visited Europe a number of times. Most of all Mary loved being with family and friends. She always looked forward to seeing nieces and nephews and loved helping any in need.

Mary was the daughter of the late Leo and Mary (Wallace) Millman and the sister of the late Leo and Robert Millman. In addition to Jerry and Jason, she is survived by her sister Theresa Miller and brother-in-law Bruce Richardson of Cheshire; mother-in-law Kay Heatley of Dallas TX; sister-in-laws Theresa Osborne of TX, and Nancy Cuellar of TX; brother-in-laws James Heatley of Malden, Kenneth Heatley of TN, and John Heatley of TX; her dear friend Mary Fitzgerald of Boston; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Mary's life will be celebrated at a service on Saturday May 3 at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE from 2-6 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970.

Services

3 May

Public Viewing

02:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
3 May

Celebration of Life

03:30 PM - 04:30 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Catherine Mentzer planted 5 trees in memory of Mary M. Heatley . - April 29, 2025

Condolences

  • April 29, 2025

    maxine engel

    rip maxine engel

  • April 29, 2025

    Debbie Robinson

    Jerry and family, we are saddened by Mary's loss. We always enjoyed her company, humor & sense of adventure. Sending you support & giving thanks for her presence in our lives. Debbie & Greg Robinson

  • April 29, 2025

    Tai Heatley Rondeau

    In losing Auntie Mary, I lost a friend, a like-minded rebel, a fierce ally, and one-of-a-kind soul. You always knew Auntie Mary was nearby, long before you caught a glimpse of her — her wild, booming laugh would ring out like a warning (or a promise). She had that unmistakable glint in her eye, the one that said trouble's coming, and it's going to be a damn good time. If you were lucky enough to be there, you weren't just along for the ride — you were part of the chaos she so masterfully conjured. She was that aunt — the legendary one — the one who would roll into your gigs, rock out with the crowd, and then leave everyone doubled over laughing with her gloriously perverse sense of humor. Auntie Mary had a gift for it: instantly at home in any room, always the loudest laugh, the boldest story, the best time. She lived for music, for stories, for the thrill of being alive. She fed backstage bands her famous banana bread, collected memories like souvenirs, and loved seafood, guacamole, and a strong margarita like a woman who knew exactly what she was about. Whenever we visited, she'd wear extra jewelry just because she knew I'd covet something — and with a laugh and a kiss, she'd peel it off and hand it to me without thinking twice. She knew I loved Halloween and would send me the weirdest, coolest Halloween gifts — because she understood that loving the odd, the offbeat, the wild was the whole point. Auntie Mary got me — in that rare, effortless way — and I adored her for it. She was electric. Unpredictable. The spark at every gathering. She was the best. She was the party. And I'm going to miss her terribly. - Tai Heatley Rondeau