Mary R. (Dolan) Desmond, age 89, Warwick, died on August 18, 2013 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center in Providence, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Edward F. Desmond.
Born in Medford, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late John J. and Lillian R. (Dooley) Dolan, she lived in Warwick for 26 years. She was a graduate of the College of St. Elizabeth in 1945, and after nine children, earned her Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island.
Mrs. Desmond was the Head Librarian at North Providence High School for 23 years, retiring in 1987.
She is survived by two sons, Edward F. Desmond, Jr. of Santa Ana, California and Stephen F. Desmond of Providence, seven daughters, Charlotte M. Vaidya of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Helen Desmond McDonald (Brian) of Cranston, Carol M. Bridge (Stephen) of Seekonk, Mass., Kathleen M. Desmond (Lauren O’Neal) of Cambridge, Mass., Marjorie A. Sugrue (Michael) of North Scituate, Virginia M. Caldwell (William) of Cranston, and Roberta Desmond Rubin (David) of Ithaca, New York; a brother, Robert Dolan (Elizabeth) of Stratford, Ontario, Canada; a sister-in-law, Margaret Mary Brady of Plymouth, Mass.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Jack Dolan and Charlotte Canavan.
She adored and inspired her children, challenged them, and took great pride in their many achievements. She continued to champion her grandchildren and followed their adventures through life. Her strength of character, love of life, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts and minds of her family.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 21, at 9 a.m. from the Barrett and Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick. Visiting hours are Tuesday 4-7 p.m. Burial will be in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.
