Mary R. Thibault

ATHOL- Mary Rose Thibault, 82, passed away on 04-09-2026 surrounded by her daughters and God. Mary lived her life with compassion, strength, and unwavering faith.

Born in 1943 in Montague, Massachusetts, Mary Rose was raised in Orange and was the eldest of twelve children in a large Italian-Scottish family. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Gelinas and Eleanor MacDonald (Superchi), and her adoptive father, David MacDonald.

Mary graduated from Maria Assumption Academy in Petersham, Massachusetts, and went on to pursue a meaningful career in nursing. She dedicated decades to caring for others throughout Massachusetts before relocating to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1994. After retirement, she kept her nursing licenses active in both Massachusetts and Florida “just in case” someone needed her, helping others was simply who she was.

Above all, Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. As a single mother of four daughters; Lisa Ellis of Athol MA, Michelle Langlois (Edward) of Ormand Beach FL, Laura Chase of Athol MA, and KrysAnn Swan (Keith) of Royalston MA, she raised her family alone with strength, perseverance, and unconditional love.

Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Sheena, Amanda, Andrew, Crystal, Kymberly, Tyler, Nicholas, Dakota, Serene, Jacob, Taryne, and Kassidy. She was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren: Hayden, Alyvia, Kymber, Aisling, Emanuel, Murphy, Logan, Coraline, Cason, Wrenley, and Róisín; and she was predeceased by great-grandchildren Oliver and Peyton. Mary is also survived by her loving siblings: Thomas MacDonald, Michael MacDonald (Sheila), Diane Barnes, John MacDonald (Jane), Timothy MacDonald, Mark MacDonald, Steven MacDonald, Joan Varner (Randy), William MacDonald (Tracey) and Patricia Mallett (Peter) and she was predeceased by brother David Jr.

Mary’s life was one of quiet strength and constant giving. She found joy in caring for others, in her creativity, and most of all, in the family she built and nurtured. Her warmth, resilience, and love will live on in every life she touched.

Mary’s services will be held in Athol, MA at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, on May 29th at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Gethsemane Cemetery in Athol.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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