Sutton – Mary M. (Wegner) Forde, of Sutton, former longtime Shrewsbury resident, died Wednesday, June 6, 2012 as the result of a motor vehicle accident. She was 68.
She was born on September 30, 1943 in Saginaw, Michigan. a daughter of Margaret (Rabie) Wegner and the late Frederick Wegner. Raised in Saginaw, she graduated from St. Andrew's High School and earned a Bachelor's degree from University of Detroit – Mercy. She married Dr. Vincent J. Forde, PhD on June 8, 1967.
A job position at The College of the Holy Cross for Vincent brought them to Shrewsbury, where they raised and educated their family. In addition to raising her four children, she was Director of Development at St. Vincent Hospital and, previously, she had worked for the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.
Her life was rooted in her faith and family. They raised and educated their children at St. Mary's and it became a fabric of their lives in Shrewsbury. She volunteered countless hours in various capacities at church including its R.C.I.A program and was chairperson for many years of the parish Oktoberfest.
Vincent's death on December 14, 1993 was a major loss for Mary and her family. It forced her to redefine her identity and role and she did this gracefully and mindful that she was so blessed, throughout her life by the love of her children and grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Later in years, she met Gary J. Mathieu, and on November 12, 2005 in the convent chapel at St. Mary's they wed. Her friendship and marriage to Gary exposed her to many new experiences and friendships. They travelled virtually everywhere throughout the country and world. When not on an excursion Mary was always busy: an errand for the kids, babysitting for a grandchild, a shopping expedition for a good bargain or simply in the presence of those whom she so very much loved. Mary Forde loved life.
In addition to her husband, Gary, she leaves her children, Heather T. Massey and her husband, Eric, of Glen Allen, Virginia, Lara M. Forde and her partner, Mark Warren, of Worcester, Vincent J. Forde III and his wife, Doris, of Natick. and John R. Forde and his wife, Margaret, of Sutton; her mother, Margaret; her brothers, Michael Wegner and his wife, Jan, of Saginaw, Patrick Wegner of Dallas, and the late Timothy Wegner; her grandchildren, Sadie Massey, Caitlin and Michael Butkus, Montana Warren, Emma and Matthew Forde, and Catherine Forde; her in-laws, Glenn Mathieu and his wife, Lisa, of Centerville, Guy Mathieu and his wife, Patricia, of Fort Meyers, Florida, and Gregg Mathieu and his wife, Deborah, Osterville; her much loved dog, Benji;and ?many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements remain incomplete. Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors of Shrewsbury is assisting.
