Mary (Vear) Baillargeon of Oxford, FL, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2020 at the age of 87.
Born in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Lillian (Foley) and William Vear. She was a rose among thorns: the only girl in a household of boys. She attended school in Springfield, MA, graduated from the High School of Commerce, and began a diverse and eclectic career. She worked as an executive secretary at Sunshine Art Studio where she also wrote greeting card prose, to being an office manager at Arrow Detective Agency to numerous positions at the US Postal Service where she rose to Postmaster in Hardwick, MA. After retiring in 2001, Mary moved to sunny Florida in 2004 where she enjoyed golf, was an avid reader and traveler.
Throughout her life and across generations she was known as the life of the party with a jovial spirit, contagious laugh and a smile that lit up every room. She was a wonderful dancer and songbird who could sing every tune. She was a proud feminist and Democrat who enjoyed reading the newspaper cover to cover and completing the daily crossword puzzle. She was a true pioneer and role model in our family, a generous soul and fashionista who will be missed dearly by her family & friends.
Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph Raymond Baillargeon. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her, including her 2 children: Linda Baillargeon Brown and her husband John Brown of Oxford, FL, and Thomas Baillargeon of Ocala, FL; 8 Grandchildren: Joe/Katie Brown, VA; Melissa/Jason Stefaniak, NY; Nicole St. George, MA; Ashley/Tim Carabine, MA; Christina Baillargeon, MI; Tyler Baillargeon, FL; Caitlin/Austin Hodges, FL; Madison Baillargeon, FL; 8 Great Grandchildren: Max, Ben, Mason, Morgan, Mila, Callie, Ayden and Aniya.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in 2021 in Springfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary’s honor can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care.
