Mary C. Keating

Mary Claire (Birmingham) Keating passed away peacefully the evening of Sunday, September 5th on Cedar Point, in sight of the Scituate Light after "the best day ever." Although her health had been declining, Mary rallied to get home to enjoy the annual Scituate Beach Association Labor Day festivities which included smiles from the wonderful neighbors who had missed her terribly, a fantastic view of the Labor Day Parade and a lobster roll!

Mary was born on Father's Day, June 18, 1939, to Marion and William Birmingham. She grew up as the apple of her family's eye living in Waltham with her parents, brothers Richard, David and Dennis, and beloved aunt, Claire Dougherty. She attended St. Mary's High School in Waltham and moved with her family to Wayland in 1953.

She married Paul "Buster" Keating in 1963 and they made their home in Waltham where they raised their five children. Mary volunteered at Saint Jude School and parish then transitioned to active employment as her children grew. Mary worked at Baybank/Bank Boston, the Westin Hotel, and the Town of Watertown Collector's office who sent her off to retirement in style in 2009. Her friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family were the happy recipients of her wonderful whoopie pies, coffee cakes, crocheted blankets, and knitted mittens, hats, and sweaters.

After the loss of her husband in 2008, Mary began planning her "next chapter" and retired and moved to her cherished family home on Cedar Point in Scituate. During her years in Scituate, Mary was an active member of the Marshfield Senior Center and Saint Mary's Parish. She continued to enjoy her hobbies of quilting, knitting and crocheting, and being the life of the party. Her infectious smile, wry wit, and loving temperament will be missed by many.

She leaves behind her five children: Paul (and fiancé Brenda O'Neill) of Leicester; William of Waltham; Mary Ayotte (husband PJ) of Framingham; Maureen of Marlborough; and Margaret of Brockton as well as her beloved grandchildren: Ryan, Michael, and Julia Keating; Brooke, Billy, and Emily Keating; Dolan, Natalie, and Shane Ayotte and step-grandchildren Breanna and Mackenzie O'Neill.

Mary also leaves behind her adored brother Richard and his wife Claire of Warren, New Jersey and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mary's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, September 12th from 3 to 6 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate. Burial will take place Monday at 1 p.m. in Calvary Cemetery, 250 High Street, Waltham.

Those wishing to view Mary's services may do so via this link on Monday morning: https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-keating

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the food pantry of your choice.