Mary (Ward) Strong entered into eternal rest Wednesday, April 21, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was the loving wife of the late Richard E. Strong. Mary was born on June 18, 1927, in Coouglagh Village, County Galway, Ireland, the eldest daughter of James and Nora Ward's ten children. Mary emigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1945. After years of cleaning homes, she worked as a nanny, helping the Ivers family raise their two children, Ricky and Peter, whom she adored. At an Irish dance near Dudley Station, she met Richard, the love of her life, whom she married on October 26, 1957. Together they had four children Richard, Mary Theresa, Jimmy, and Eileen. Mary took pride in her nine grandchildren, taking every opportunity to be a part of their lives. When they were young, she looked after them, taught them to cook, bake, read to them, and instilled her work ethic and wisdom grounded in a wealth of her lived experience. She had three great-granddaughters, Grace, Mary, and Emerson, who affectionately knew her as "Gigi." Mary's Linden Street home smelled of fresh-baked scones and Irish bread, always served with a piping hot cup of Barry's tea. She could read and understand people, always taking the time to listen and pray for those in need. She was born with a maternal calling, a nurturing soul with an innate dedication to caring for children. Life challenged Mary with many hardships, but her devotion to her family and faith always guided her. She attended mass daily and navigated difficulties with an unshakable trust in God. She was known as the healer, consistently strong when others needed it most. People would call and ask for Mary Strong to pray for their parents, spouses, and children in times of need. She had a long list next to her phone that would remind her who needed her prayers. With her family's values and the virtues of her faith, we remember Mary as a doting and loyal friend, mother, and grandmother with a selfless and warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She is survived by her son, Richard Strong, his wife Annmarie, and their four children Laura, Michael, Michelle, her husband Scott, and Tracy; Her daughter, Mary Theresa Malinn, her husband Kevin and their three children Brian, his wife Annie, Meredith, and Bobby; Her daughter, Eileen Strong O'Boy, her husband Kevin, and their two children Caroline, and Kevin Michael. Mary was predeceased by her infant son, Jimmy. Visitation will be held in St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Monday from 12:30 – 1:00 with a Funeral Mass at 1:00. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary's Building Fund, 5 Linden Place, Brookline, MA.