Mary-Jane (Fitzgerald) Rei

Mary-Jane Fitzgerald Rei, age 78, passed away September 18, 2022. She was born April 15, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts to James Fitzgerald and Dorothy Fitzgerald née Coyle. She married Nuno Rei on November 8, 1964.

Mary-Jane started her family in 1966 and for several years devoted herself as a full-time mother and housewife. As her kids grew older, she slowly re-entered both the workforce and school, earning a bachelor’s degree along the way. She specialized as a legal secretary, finding her way to Ropes & Gray. Her job put her on a first-name basis with many of Boston’s leading names, such as Mitt Romney and the Kennedys. She was also entrusted with sensitive information. When once her husband came home eager to share breaking news of his company being bought out, Mary-Jane replied that she had already heard about it…six months ago!

Upon retiring in 2001 Mary-Jane continued with what she loved but added more activities, more places and more people to the mix. Grandchildren started arriving in 2003 and surrounded her until the end. Whenever someone would drop a knife or fork, she’d be sure to repeat one of the old Irish superstitions passed on by her own mother, Company’s coming! And she ensured that company did come, having hosted at least 500 parties in over more than 50 years. The quieter hours were dominated by puzzles, endless cups of tea, reading, watching television murder mysteries and Hallmark specials. She cried easily at hellos and good-byes. Given any date, she could instantly tell you the day of the week in which it fell, and she knew how to swing a coupon book to devastating effect. There were decorations for every occasion, especially Christmas. And for every occasion there were cards. Literally thousands of cards over the years! Hallmark will certainly feel her absence.

 

For her last 20 years she split her time between Florida and her home of over 40 years in Boxford. She started to travel, often to see her beloved grandchildren. She loved cruises, as well as getting out on her sailboat during the weekends, if only as an excuse to host another party, this time on water.

Since her death so many unexpected stories of her kindness have rolled in.  She always used to say to her kids, “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.”  Now she’s gone and missed by far more than just her children, and it’s her turn to see people crying at her own good-bye.

Mary-Jane is survived by her loving husband Nuno; her three children, Chris, Karyn, and John; her brother Richard; her three grandchildren, Alexei, Elizabeth, and Brandon; and her sister-in-law Barbara Fitzgerald: and her devoted best friend of over 60 years, Cathy Crossman, with whom she never argued a single day. Mary-Jane was predeceased by her brother Robert Fitzgerald. All of these people she loved unconditionally and touched deeply.

Mary-Jane leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and generosity.

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