Obituary: Mary W. Loughran, 80, Of Greenwich

Information via Fred D Knapp & Son Funeral Home

A loving wife, mother, aunt and friend, Mary W. Loughran of Greenwich, CT, went home to the Lord on January 28, 2019, peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born at Greenwich Hospital on April 26, 1938, to the late Connie and Tom Wigmore. A lifelong resident of Greenwich, she was educated at St. Mary’s Grammar School and Greenwich High School. She graduated from the Greenwich Hospital School of Nursing, received a BSN degree from Catholic University and an MSN degree from Iona College—following her mother’s footsteps and fulfilling her calling of becoming a nurse.

In addition to being a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, Mary lived her life by example as a loving and compassionate nurse at Greenwich Hospital for over 40 years. The last 15 years of her career were spent as the director of the Home Care and Hospice Department at Greenwich Hospital.

Mary was well-known in the community as a true angel of support who guided many families through very difficult times. She was also a role model to many of the nurses she had the pleasure to work with at the hospital, and a mentor to the students she taught at Norwalk Community College and Fairfield University.

Mary was a longtime active member of St. Mary’s Church, a member of the Parents Council of the Fairfield County Regional Center and a steadfast volunteer for all of her boys' schools, activities and sports teams. After Mary retired, she dedicated her time to volunteering at Nathaniel Witherell, Social Concerns at St. Mary’s Parish and tutoring underprivileged children.

Mary was a loving woman who was known to many as a second mother. Her door was always open to family and friends, all knowing that there would be plenty of food, laughter and a warm welcome. Her compassion and strength were known by all in her lifetime, and she approached everything with grace and love.

As a teenager, Mary worked at Island Beach. There, she met her devoted husband of 56 years, Jim Loughran. Together they raised five sons who were the world to her: Jim, Tom, John, Joe and Michael (deceased). Mary was predeceased by Michael, who was born with special needs. Her unselfish devotion and love to Michael’s care was unmatched. Her memory will continue to live within her daughters-in-law, Clare Loughran and Merritt Loughran, as well as her six cherished grandchildren: Clare, James, Kate, Maeve, Finn and Joseph. She dearly loved her niece, nephews and their spouses: Mark and Sue Hyland, Ann and Bill Gallagher, Michael and Jacquie Hyland and Joseph and Lee Loughran. She also leaves behind many cousins and friends who will greatly miss her.

Mary passed from complications due to Alzheimer's. We would like to thank the nurses and aids on the fourth floor of Nathaniel Witherell. We are indebted to you for your kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Friends of Nathaniel Witherell, 70 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT 06830, in her name.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church (178 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT) with a reception to follow.

Photo credit: Shutterstock