Aug. 8, 1935 – Feb. 7, 2024
South Grafton – Mary Pauline (Baszner) Gauthier, 88, was embraced in the arms of her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Philip, a year to the day of Philip’s passing on February 7, 2024.
Their bond is a true testament to the power of love. Now Nana and Poppy can spoil Violet, their granddaughter, while she, in return, gives hugs, pats on the back, and kisses while showing them who is boss.
Mary was born in Northbridge on August 8, 1935 to Edgar and Aurore (Lapierre) Baszner while living most of her life in Grafton. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1953 and married her high school sweetheart, Philip, in 1953.
Mary worked at X Cadrin’s & Sons in Grafton as a bookkeeper for approximately 35 years. She wrapped up her career at Elwin’s Electronics, retiring in 2007.
Through the early years, she actively supported her husband, Philip, whether it related to the Knights of Columbus or the Grafton Fire Department.
A devoted Catholic, Mary was actively involved at St. James Parish, either by being President of the Woman’s Guild, baking for the bereavement committee or typing the weekly church bulletin.
Mary’s favorite pastime was her devotion and love for her children and grandchildren, covering many generations.
Mary leaves her children Cheryl A. Trilligan and her husband Michael of South Grafton, Michael E. Gauthier and his wife Susanna of South Grafton, and Alison M. Ahearn and her husband William of Sutton; her Grandchildren Brendan Ahearn of Sutton, Megan Leger and her husband John along with their daughter Aubrey of South Grafton, Amy Gauthier of Millbury and Matthew Gauthier of South Grafton; her Step-Grandchildren Daniel Eerhart and his wife Sandra along with their daughters Carmen, Vivian, and Maya of Baldwin Place, NY, and Michael Eerhart and his spouse Eric of Cincinnati, OH; a niece and two nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband Philip L. Gauthier, granddaughter Violet Ahearn, her brothers Joseph Richard Baszner and Gerard J. Baszner.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OLH – St. James Bereavement C/O Ann Kjellberg 129 Keith Hill Road, South Grafton, MA 01560.
Family and friends will honor and remember Mary’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Sunday, February 11th from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street in Millbury. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 12th at 10:30 a.m. in St. James Church, 89 Main Street in South Grafton. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Grafton.
