Mary Elizabeth Deschenes
Jan 6th, 2023
Mary Elizabeth (Finn) Deschenes, 94, of Yarmouth, MA, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday January 6th surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 27, 1928 in Milton, MA to Matthew C. Finn and Molly G. (Ireland) Finn and spent her childhood summers in Hampton Beach, NH with her large family and her beloved Skippy, the wonder dog.
She was very close to her five siblings and is survived by Peter Finn of Baltimore, MD and was predeceased by her brothers Matthew Finn and John Finn and her sisters Sheila Costello and Pat Murphy. After graduating from Regis College in 1950, she worked as a teacher and dietician prior to her marriage to Dr. Donald L. Deschenes (deceased) in 1953. They settled in Braintree where she found her lifelong passion - -being the best Mom ever. She had eight children- Donald L. Deschenes, Jr. of Yarmouth, Paula Miller (Tim) of Flat Rock, NC, Marie Deschenes (deceased), Matthew Deschenes (Cindy) of Naples, FL, Stephen Deschenes of Pasadena, CA, Greg Deschenes (Lisa) of Richland, MI, Liz Deschenes (Noa Gil-Costa) of NY, NY and Margo Austin (Kyle) of Richmond, VT. She was Mimi – and an amazing grandmother to eight loving grandchildren and was overjoyed recently with her first great grandchild.
She loved the ocean and was blessed to have lived during her life near the beaches of Cape Cod, Florida and the Caribbean. She enjoyed an elegant sense of fashion and style throughout her life, often accompanied by big hats and her signature sunglasses. She also loved a good story, laughter, and a bourbon old fashion – often in combination but will be most of all remembered for being a loving mother, wife, sister, and friend to so many with a sense of humor that steadied us all in challenging times and brought joy and laughter for all the rest. Deeply spiritual, she was the first to help others in need, often in the form of one of her delicious meals.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, MA on Saturday, March, 11th at 11am. Followed by a luncheon and time of reflection. Burial at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery will be private.
Donations in her memory can be made to NAMI Cape Cod or CHAMP Homes in Barnstable, MA.
Guest Book
Dear Paula and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was an amazing woman and one of my favorite people! I have such wonderful memories of spending time in your den with your Mom, just talking and laughing. Her laughter was so contagious. Not to mention, hands down the best CCD teacher at St. Clare's :) I will keep you all in my prayers. May she rest in the sweetest peace. Gowie
Dear Paula, Wishing you peace in the loss of your mother and comfort in your fond memories. A beautifully written tribute, one can feel her personality, sense of style and imagine her humor. She surely must have been a great mom to have raised 8 children and generations beyond! God bless your mom, now surely in the arms of Jesus.
Beth was the most happy and most stylish woman I have ever met! Her sparkling sense of humor & love of life exuded from her being. I was always amazed at her professional life before her family, but above all her wonderful ability to take care of others. She was a great sister to my brother-in-law, Matthew Finn. I was so happy I was able to share another lunch out with Beth & my sister, Jo-Ann Harper Finn, in March of 2022. It was a lot of fun. Beth is still taking care of all from above. Much love to all her family.
Beth was the most happy and most stylish woman I have ever met! Her sparkling sense of humor & love of life exuded from her being. I was always amazed at her professional life before her family, but above all her wonderful ability to take care of others. She was a great sister to my brother-in-law, Matthew Finn. I was so happy I was able to share another lunch out with Beth & my sister, Jo-Ann Harper Finn, in March of 2022. It was a lot of fun. Beth is still taking care of all from above. Much love to all her family.
Thank you, Beth, for making me feel like part of the Finn family. I will miss our get togethers so much. and cherish all the laughter, the stories and just talking about everything. You helped to keep Matthew close and that was wonderful for me and for Dante. Rest in peace to a beloved Mother, Grand ( and great grand)mother, Aunt, sister, sister in law and friend to many.