Mary P. (Power) Simone

STERLING – Mary P. (Power) Simone, 74, passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at UMass Memorial Healthcare – Clinton Hospital after an extended illness. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Breen) Power and had lived in Sterling since 1990.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 36 years, F. H. Rick Mathews; her children, Scott Simone and his wife, Sara of Paxton, Alicia Petit and her husband, Allen of Rutland, Marc Mathews of Sterling and Jacqueline Mathews-Casello and her husband, Nicholas of Leicester; her brother, Patrick Power and his wife, Katharine of Sunderland; her sister, Kathleen O’Brien and her husband, Clayton J. of Harwich Port; nine grandchildren, Maia Simone, Ronin Simone, Jordyn Petit, Luke Petit, Becky Mathews, Lea Mathews, Nicholas Casello, Emilia Casello and Max Casello; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her younger sister, Margaret Power.

Mary was an executive administrative assistant for 21 years at Data General before retiring in 2000. After retirement, Mary devoted her time to, and loved her part-time work at NEADS, National Education Assistance Dog Service Program, Princeton, MA, where she could bring her faithful canine companion Eddy with her daily. Mary loved camping trips to Maine with Rick and her grandchildren. It is a place that brought her deep peace. Mary was especially devoted to her grandchildren. She loved each of them unconditionally and they brought her much joy. The ultimate crafter, Mary enjoyed rug hooking, braiding, felting, quilting, scrapbooking, and knitting Irish sweaters for her grandchildren. Mary also loved being around horses as much as possible, and rode dressage for many years. Mary had a great sense of humor, was a tremendous cook, and cherished her large loving family.

She was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Church and was proud of her Irish heritage. Mary and Rick volunteered frequently at St. Richard’s food pantry. They felt giving back to the community was important. She will be remembered as a beacon of light for her family as a mother, grandmother, wife, sister and friend. She was a person who believed anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it, and worked hard. She also believed taking time to have fun in life was equally important. She made everything special and memorable because she did it with love. Mary will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 6th in the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. Funeral services for Mary will be held on Saturday, August 7th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Richard’s of Chichester Food Pantry in Sterling, MA., or the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit "The Tribute Wall."