Mary (Butler) Mullaney, 88, of Dennis and Venice, FL, reluctantly, passed away on September 5, 2022. She was born on September 26, 1933, in West Roxbury, MA, the third child and only daughter of Matthew Patrick Butler and Katherine (Morrison) Butler. In 1956, Mary married her "gutsy and smart" Richard "Dick" Mullaney, Jr., , at St. Theresa’s in West Roxbury.  Together they celebrated over 65 years of life, adventure, travel, laughs and love before he died in February 2022.

Mary graduated from Boston University, Sargent College in 1955. She spent her professional life as a physical education teacher in Michigan, Virginia and Massachusetts, always marveling at her luck of being paid to play games with kids. A relentless motivator, she inspired generations of kids to move, play, run, swim, changing their lives with her encouragement. Mary began running road races in the late ‘60s, an era before women were allowed to run in the Boston Marathon (officially 1972), and joyfully celebrated the evolution of women’s sports. She completed six marathons and countless road races through the years, traveling to races with her entourage of family and friends for the adventure of the day. Later in life, she and Dick switched from running to biking, then walking, water aerobics (Mary only) and playing bridge. Their lifelong enjoyment of physical and mental activities enhanced and prolonged their lives "well past (their) expiration date(s)".

People were the elixir of Mary’s life. She filled her time making new friends and enjoying old ones. She was a quick-witted wise guy, loved knitting, playing bridge (Life Master) and doing crossword puzzles. She hated housework and rebelled against ‘traditional’ wifely and motherly responsibilities. She was stoic and tough, and cried only when babies were born. Fiercely competitive (“second place is first loser” or “show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser”) and always eager for any game, Mary lived life ready for fun and determined to win. She was a true friend.

 Mary leaves behind her daughters Christine and her husband, John Oskirko, Marie Mullaney and her husband, Tony Foran, and Carolyn Mullaney and brothers Matthew Butler Jr. and Rev. Robert Butler.  She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Matthew Renaud, Erin (Renaud) Seidel, Thomas Foran, Ross Merrick, Lynne Foran, James Merrick, and Luke Foran, as well as great grandchildren Carter and Aria Seidel. She also leaves her cherished nieces and nephews, great and great grand nieces and nephews and many, many treasured friends. We loved her and she loved us. We miss her terribly.

She was predeceased by her daughters Patricia Louise Mullaney and Theresa Louise Renaud as well as brothers Charles Butler and Rev. Richard Butler.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Cape Church, Stony Brook Rd., Brewster, MA on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 11:00 AM, followed by interment in Dennis Village Cemetery, Route 6A, Dennis, MA.
 Donations may be made in Mary’s memory to your local cancer center.
 
 

We had the honor of knowing Mary and Dick during our years on the Cape. We enjoyed our visits and really loved their philosophy of life. We know Cris and Caz and send our deepest condolences to the whole family. They were wonderful friends and will be missed.

Carolyn, Marie, and Chris, Sending you my deepest condolences and love during this difficult time. May your memories of your mom bring you comfort in the days to come. Nancy Keenan Curley

Thinking of you all and sending you peace, comfort and deepest sympathy. I enjoyed reading Mary's obituary ~ she sounds like quite a woman and someone that I wish that I had known all my life. I'm happy to know Caz and Chris who certainly shares many of her characteristics.

Only knowing Mary thru her daughters, we know she was a tough New Englander with a sly wit. From this wonderful testament we know even more about her. We are so sorry for your loss

To the entire Mullaney Family, my deepest condolences. Mom is with Dad, so very sorry for both of your losses, love ❤️ Tricia

You were truly a wonderful friend and you and Dick, the best neighbors we could ever have! You will be missed! Please know we loved you both to the moon and back! ❤️

You ran your final race on earth with strength and dignity my friend. Now you have a challenge in heaven to get everyone in the pool…… You left you mark on this earth and you will be dearly missed.

You ran your final race on earth with strength and dignity my friend. Now you have a challenge in heaven to get everyone in the pool…… You left you mark on this earth and you will be dearly missed.