1942 - 2025
Born June 1, 1942, in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Mary Ann was the daughter of Walter and Eleanor (Reardon) Boyden. She grew up in Swampscott and graduated from Swampscott High School in 1960, where she played field hockey and basketball. After completing her education, she began her working life at Massachusetts Electric Company.
In 1966, Mary Ann married Howard, beginning a nearly six-decade partnership built on love, humor, and deep devotion. A natural homemaker with a gift for bringing people together, she became known for her remarkable cooking—hosting epic holiday feasts and ensuring nobody left her home hungry. Her blueberry pies and chocolate chip cookies were legendary, and her signature sarcastic wit made gatherings warm, lively, and unforgettable.
A passionate sports fan throughout her life, Mary Ann followed her favorite teams faithfully. A lifelong sports enthusiast and diehard Boston sports fan, Mary Ann loved cheering for her teams. While the Red Sox and Patriots were her favorites, she also enjoyed watching college football and basketball. She and Howard also shared a love of travel, exploring the world with cherished friends, creating memories to last a lifetime. In Marco Island, she enjoyed days at the beach and rounds of golf, belonging to the Hammock Bay Country Club and The Classics Country Club. Summers in Westborough brought joy through golf and time spent with ‘The 9-Holers’ in the Ladies Golf League at Westborough Country Club.
Mary Ann’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Mimi. She loved celebrating their lives—cheering at softball, football, baseball, and soccer games, dance recitals, and track meets, admiring artwork, and reveling in every milestone.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Howard Cook; daughter Patti Bruno (Paul Beaulieu) and her children Sofia, Olivia, and Joshua; son Stephen (Allen) Cook M.D. and his children Leo and Archie; as well as extended family and countless friends whose lives were brightened by her kindness and generosity. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers, Richard and Raymond Boyden.
Family and friends are invited to attend Mary Ann’s services. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 13, at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St. Westborough. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 12, in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St. Westborough. A celebration of life will also be held in Marco Island in January.
In honor of her generous heart, donations may be sent to Westborough Food Pantry (westboroughfoodpantry.org) or Our Daily Bread Food Pantry of Marco Island (ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org).
