Published in the February 23, 2018 edition

MELROSE — Mary C. (Donoghue) Fernandes, 87, of Melrose, died at her home on February 14, 2018.

Mary was born and raised in Mission Hill and a graduate of Mission Hill High School. She resided in Melrose for over 60 years and worked as a claim adjuster for Central Mutual Insurance Co. of Boston and Waltham for over 35 years before her retirement at the age of 62. Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Melrose, St. Mary’s Ladies’ Sodality and the Melrose Women’s Club. She volunteered at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital Gift Shop and at the Melrose voting polls.

Mary enjoyed yard sales, reading, puzzles and cooking. She loved spending time with her “Circle of Friends” in Melrose and traveling to York, Maine, Newfound Lake and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Mary’s family and grandchildren were the most important part of her life.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Delfino J. “Del” Fernandes for over 50 years. Loving mother of Mary Ellen Morrissey, Jean M. Shay and her husband David, all of Melrose, Pauline A. Re and her husband Steven of Medford, and Ann M. Giso and her husband Joseph of Woburn. Cherished grandmother of Michael, Brian, Alexander, Garrett, Christopher, Michael G. and Allyson. Caring sister of Joseph Donoghue and his wife Kay of Billerica and the late Teresa Moura and Edward Donoghue. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, February 19. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home was on Tuesday, February 20, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose, MA 02176. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com