STONE - Mary Louise Packard Stone left this wonderful life on April 18, 2016.

Born in Brockton, she was the daughter of the late Walter T. and Marion (Hasey) Packard. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Robert W. Stone; her brother, Capt. Wyman H. Packard; and her sister, Elizabeth P. Burrill.

Mary grew up on the family farm where she began her lifelong love of the environment including all plants and flowers, birds, and weather. She graduated from Brockton High School and Wheaton College, in Norton.

While at Wheaton, Mary’s summer job was waitressing at the Lighthouse Inn in West Dennis, after being hired by Bob Stone. A week after her graduation from Wheaton, Mary and Bob were married. Thus, began her life as an Innkeeper. She and Bob ran the Inn together until Bob passed away in 2004. As an Innkeeper, she was a friend and mentor to the guests, employees, and all who came to the Lighthouse. She listened, solved problems, and was the heart of the Inn for 70 years.

Mary and Bob were leaders in the hospitality industry, belonging to the American Hotel Resort Committee, New England Innkeepers, Massachusetts Lodging Association, Cape Cod Chamber, and Dennis Chamber of Commerce. Together, they were recognized by Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift for their contributions to the hospitality industry.

Mary was also a member and past president of the Harwich Dennis Women of Rotary, an honorary member of Harwich Dennis Rotary; long time member of the board of directors of Child and Family Services of Cape Cod; and various church committees at Auburn Congregational Church in Auburn, and Pilgrim Congregational Church in Harwich Port.

Mary was a lifelong lover of music and sang in church choirs until two years ago finishing at West Dennis Community Church. In her appreciation of all music, Mary and Bob provided venues for such artists as Ken Manzer, Rock King, Saucy Sylvia, Marie Marcus, Lee Childs, Jack Bumer, Burns and Kaufman, and countless others at the Deacon’s Perch, Sandbar, and Lighthouse Inn.

Mary and Bob lived winters in Auburn, until 1971, where they raised their family of five children, and then spent their summers at the Inn. They moved permanently to West Dennis in 1971.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth S. Lehan and her husband, James of Norfolk; Deborah S. Haines and her husband, Samuel, of Syracuse, NY and Cape Cod; Dr. Barbara Stone Amidon and her husband, Marc of Cape Cod; Jonathan P. Stone and his wife, Patricia B. of Braintree; and Gregory H. Stone and his wife, Patricia C. of West Dennis; fourteen grandchildren and eight spouses; nineteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to Team Mary – especially Joyce, Alison, Tania, Juan, Nancy, Teresa, and Josh.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday July 5, 2016 in the West Dennis Community Church, 288 Main St. West Dennis.

Interment will be private.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Harwich Dennis, P.O. Box 188, South Dennis, MA 02660 or to Child and Family Services of Cape Cod, 1019 Iyanough Rd. Hyannis, MA 02601.

Mary was a wonderful woman who did great work for the community as a Board member at Child & Family Services of Cape Cod. Her willingness to help others will always be remembered.