Mary Madeline (Madge) Fraser, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 29th, 2024, at the age of 93. Mary resided in Marlborough and was previously a long-time resident of Southborough.
Mary came into the world on August 8th, 1931, in the charming village of Bodelwyddan, Wales, born to Ernest and Mary Jones. She found her true love in Charles, and they spent over 70 remarkable years together, married for nearly 68 years until his peaceful passing in June.
Mary’s memory is carried on by her devoted family, which includes her son Garth and his wife, Rhonda, as well as Paris and his partner, Kathleen Webber, and Mary’s beloved daughter Natalie. Her grandchildren, Paris, Olivia, Gavin, and Hunter were a source of pride and joy. In addition, Mary leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren, Morgan and Wiley. She will also be remembered fondly by close family friend’s, Frank Lupafya, and his wife, Tendai.
Mary’s early years were shaped by the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, as she grew up in Wales, bearing witness to the formidable challenges and fortitude displayed by her country during that historic period. She vividly recalled the sight of German bombers flying overhead, casting ominous shadows over her village, and instilling a sense of fear and uncertainty. Alongside this, she and her family had to navigate strict food and coal stipends imposed during the war, requiring them to ration supplies and cultivate resourcefulness to make ends meet.
She pursued her education in Liverpool, England, where she embraced the opportunity to broaden her horizons and deepen her knowledge. The resilience and determination instilled in her by the war years propelled her to make the most of the educational opportunities available.
Mary’s passion for education led her to a fulfilling career as a teacher, where she left an indelible mark on countless young minds, imparting valuable knowledge and fostering a love for learning. Her dedication and compassion made a lasting impact on her students. She was able to teach children in three different countries as she and Charles traveled from Europe, Guyana, and the US.
Shortly after relocating to Southborough, Mary played a pivotal role in the establishment and successful growth of the Southboro Veterinary Clinic. Working closely with Charles, she contributed significantly to the clinic’s success. Mary and Charles quickly became pillars of the community.
Later in her professional journey, Mary transitioned to a successful career in real estate, where her warmth and integrity made her a trusted and respected agent in the industry. She enjoyed helping families find their perfect homes and creating their own sense of belonging in the community.
Mary found immense joy in traveling with her daughter Natalie, creating cherished memories together. In addition to her passion for travel, she was a dedicated long-time member of the Southborough Women’s Club and an active participant in St. Mark’s Church community. Her involvement in these organizations brought her great fulfillment and allowed her to build lasting connections within the community.
Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to her family and friends that will be cherished and remembered by all who had the honor of being part of her life’s journey.
Visiting hours to honor and remember Mary will be held on Thursday, September 5th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home located at 40 Main St, Southborough, MA 01772. The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, September 6th, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 27 Main St, Southborough, MA 01772.
For access to watch May’s service, please visit https://stmarks-sb.org/live/ or see below for a direct link for the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the MetroWest Humane Society (https://metrowesthumanesociety.org).
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
