Mary Louise Haugh

Mary Louise (Collins) Haugh, 103, of Andover, MA died February 23, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. Mary Lou was born in Methuen at Lawler Hospital on September 5, 1919, daughter of John C. Collins and Celia (McGovern) both of Andover, MA. Mary Lou grew up in Andover and was educated at St. Mary’s in Lawrence and Punchard High School Andover. She attended The School of Practical Art in Boston and worked 11 years at GE in Lynn as a Mechanical Tool Designer where she made several lifelong friends. She also became an accomplished landscape painter and even took flying lessons. Mary Lou met Thomas J. Haugh of Winthrop on Hampton Beach and after a short courtship and engagement they were married July 23, 1949. Mary Lou and Tom moved to Stoneham, eventually purchased a home and raised 4 boys.
Life took a turn in 1970 with a fire destroying their home badly injuring Tom and less than a year later she lost her eldest son, Tommy, in an accident. After an unbelievable outpouring of love and support by so many, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and strangers alike part of the healing process prompted a return to Andover, Mary Lou’s hometown, while never forgetting friends in Stoneham.
Mary Lou loved Art and was an accomplished landscape painter of sites throughout New England and beyond with Tom always in support with a camera for future reference. Mary Lou’s passion was cooking and she enjoyed everything related to it including reading, viewing and experimenting almost as much as the meals themselves. She appreciated the finer things in life and always wanted to share her love of those things with family and friends. Mary Lou had many lifelong friends but closest friends Frank and Lucy Bomba and Frank and soulmate Barbara Dolan, shared the same values, interests, and family focus. Friendship was always important to Mary Lou and if you had met her you would have become fast friends because she took an interest in everything about you. Although she was proud of her boys nothing could have pleased her more than gaining daughter’s-in-law along with dear cousin Julie with whom she could now share all of her life’s passions. Mom, Mary Lou, Grammy, GG was an inspiration to many not the least of which were her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren not just for her longevity but for her accomplishments and passions. Later in life simple trips with easel and picnic basket complete with wine glasses in tow to picturesque New England spots filled those days that weren’t at the park, rink, court or field to watch grandchildren excel.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter-in-law Patricia Haugh (Jim) of Andover, Son Robert and wife Marie of Andover, Son John and wife Marie of Groveland as well as Grandchildren; Kaitlin Johnson (Erik), Collen Black (Steve), Kerry Cavanaugh (Patrick), Tommy (Kate), Michael, Danny, Emily Melo (Mike) and Brian. Great Grandchildren; Ellie, Hattie, Annie, Fiona, James, Owen. Mary Lou was predeceased by her loving husband Thomas J., son Thomas R., son James H.

To so many of those friends and family who helped Mary Lou to thrive for the past 20 years and more recently, caregivers at Bayberry
(“her girls”), Fallon Health and D’Youville rehab. Thank you!

Funeral Services from Conte Funeral Home 28 Florence St., Andover, visitation Thursday March 2 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Augustine’s Church 43 Essex St Andover MA at 11am and burial following at Lindenwood Cemetery Montvale Av Stoneham, MA. In lieu of Flowers consider a donation to Dana Farber Cancer Institute 10 Brookline Place, W 6th floor, Brookline MA 02445 in memory of James H. Haugh or the charity of your choice.

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