Mary (Ryan) Franklin, 90, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Winchester, Mattapoisett, and Marion, MA died peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Lewis C. Franklin, Jr.
Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Dr. James and Helen (Toomey) Ryan, Mary lived in Winchester and Mattapoisett most of her life before retiring to Bradenton, FL.
Mary’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren, both in Mattapoisett and Florida, and attending all their milestone events. She loved shopping, dining and attending plays with her friends, participating in water aerobics with her Perico Bay Club neighbors, traveling with members of her Florida Parish community, and was an avid golfer and member of Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett. She loved going to the beach and never missed a chance to take a dip – harkening back to her swimming instructor roots. Mary will be remembered as a beautiful seamstress, talented cook and creative artist.
Mary was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett and Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Church in Bradenton where she was a member of the Widows group.
Mary was a Home Economics teacher in the Winchester Public Schools system for many years.
Survivors include her children, Lewis Franklin III and his wife Irina of Wellesley, MA, Joanne Petrie and her husband Dr. Scott Petrie of Marion, MA, and James Franklin and his wife Emily of Pawleys Island, SC; her brother, Thomas Ryan; and her grandchildren, Nicole and Ashley Franklin, Andrew and Mark Hill, Carolyn, Robert and MaryGrace Petrie, and Joseph and Dr. Katherine Franklin.
She is predeceased by her daughter Ellen Hill; and her siblings, Margaret Tweedie and Denis Ryan.
Mary’s Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 10:00 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, MA 02739. A Memorial Mass and burial of cremains will be held at Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church, 2850 75th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 at a later date. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
