Obituary: Mary A. Prior, 88, of Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mrs. Mary A. (Teehan) Prior, a longtime Somerville resident, died on Friday, February 3, 2017 surrounded by her family, she was 88. Born and raised in Medford, she was the daughter of the late Mary A. (Donovan) and Patrick E. Teehan. A graduate of St. Joseph School and Mount Alvernia Academy, Mary enrolled in Calvin Coolidge College to pursue a degree in Child Psychology, a brand new field of study at the time. During World War II, she was a member of the Coast Guard Women’s Auxiliary charged with putting together care packages to be sent to the G.I.’s serving overseas.

An active member of St. Clement Parish, Mary was a member of the Catholic Daughters and the St. Clement Athletic Association; she was also a founding member of the St. Clement Mother’s Club and served as a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den mother. After raising her own family, she returned to work and enjoyed many years working for the Somerville Public School System as a teacher’s aide, then doing finance and purchasing for the school lunch program before finally retiring as the school secretary at the Winter Hill School. Mary will be lovingly remembered for her love and devotion to children, and for unconditional love and care for everyone in her life.

The beloved wife of the late John J. Prior, Sr., Mary was a loving and devoted mother of John J. Prior, Jr., Maryalyce Romano and her husband Anthony, Kevin Prior and his partner Bob Boudreau and Roberta “Bobbi” Prior LeBlanc. Cherished Nana of Allyson, Bethany and her fiancé Andre Buzzotta, Erin, Kevin, Tim, Michael and his wife Erin, Meghan, John and Great-Nana of Alex. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Eugene, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Wednesday morning at 8AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Clement Church at 9AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Calling Hours Tuesday 4PM to 8PM. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

Photo and obituary courtesy of Doherty Funeral Home