Mary Deame
Mary Starr Deame

Mary Starr Deame, 90, formerly of Hanover, MA, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. Raised in Pittsfield, MA, Mary dedicated her life to caring for others. She graduated at the top of her class at St. Peters Nursing school in Albany, NY and started her career working as a nurse at Pittsfield General Hospital. After meeting her husband, David in her hometown, they eventually relocated to Hanover, where she lived for 42 years.

She worked as a nurse at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, MA and many other settings where her compassion and dedication shone brightly in her profession. Mary was a devoted mother, raising her children with love and nurturing.

A 50th birthday present from her children – a trip to Paris – started many years of adventurous travel exploring destinations across Europe and the western United States, accompanied by her cousin Betty Ann. In addition to travel, she was an avid reader, loved books, and especially reading the Boston Globe every day. She was a prolific writer, and enjoyed annual family gatherings. She also enjoyed knitting, gardening, movies, music, and in particular, she was kind and generous to those less fortunate through her many charitable works at the Hanover Food Pantry and helping Kay Doherty with the Mound Bayou Walks.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Verna Charron, Elizabeth Woitkowski and Dorene Janes. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward O'Keefe and her brother-in-law Christian Charron.

She is survived by her children Kevin Deame and his wife Ellen, Jeynaba Deame, Peggy Deame and her ex-husband, John Dellea, Marie Deame, Dan Deame and his wife Nelice, Chris Deame and his partner Jenni Pezzano, Gregory Deame and his wife Dahlia Mertens. Mary was also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to Dawn (Saunak), Sarah, Beth, Isabella (Justin), Ryan, Andrew, Lauren(Tony), Tiffany (Nick), Willow, Mia, Amara, Ari, Layla, Forest, Opal and Christopher, Jr.

A wake will be held from 2-5 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at George F. Doherty and Sons Funeral Home, 456 High St. in Dedham, MA. A celebration of life will be held at 1pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at First Church & Parish, 480 High St., Dedham, MA. Burial will take place in her hometown in the Berkshires.

Because Mary loved flowers, bright and cheerful floral tributes would be welcome for the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude for the loving and compassionate care extended to Mary by Luci Miller and the staff at Newbridge on the Charles.

Mary leaves behind a loving clan of nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom will miss her warm smile and non-judgmental spirit. She touched the lives of many, always encouraging others to lead their best lives. Mary will be greatly missed, leaving behind a lasting impact on all who knew her.