Long-time Shrewsbury Resident Dies after Car Crash

Mary M. (Wegner) Forde, of Sutton, former longtime Shrewsbury resident died Wednesday, June 6 as the result of a motor vehicle accident. She was 68.

She was born on September 30, 1943 in Saginaw, MI, a daughter of Margaret (Rabie) Wegner and the late Frederick Wegner. Raised in Saginaw she graduated from St. Andrews High School and earned a bachelor's degree from University of Detroit—Mercy. She married Dr. Vincent J. Forde, Ph. D. on June 8, 1967. A job position at The College of the Holy Cross for Vincent brought them to Shrewsbury where they raised and educated their family. In addition to raising her four children she was director of development at St. Vincent's Hospital and previously, she had worked for the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.

Her life was rooted in her faith and family. They raised and educated their children at and it became a fabric of their lives in Shrewsbury. She volunteered countless hours in various capacities at church including its R.C.I.A program and was chairperson for many years of the parish Oktoberfest.

Vincent's death on December 14, 1993 was a major loss for Mary and her family. It forced her to redefine her identity and role and she did this gracefully and mindful that she was so blessed, throughout her life by the love of her children and grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Later in years she met Gary J. Mathieu and on November 12, 2005 in the convent chapel at St. Mary's they wed. Her friendship and marriage to Gary exposed her to many new experiences and friendships. They travelled virtually everywhere throughout the country and world. When not on an excursion Mary was always busy: an errand for the kids, babysitting for a grandchild, a shopping expedition for a good bargain or simply in the presence of those whom she so very much loved. Mary Forde loved life.

In addition to her husband, Gary, she leaves her children, Heather T. Massey and her husband, Eric, of Glen Allen, Virginia, Lara M. Forde and her partner, Mark Warren, of Worcester, Vincent J. Forde III and his wife, Doris, of Natick and John R. Forde and his wife, Margaret, of Sutton; her mother, Margaret; her brothers, Michael Wegner and his wife, Jan, all of Saginaw, Patrick Wegner of Dallas and the late Timothy Wegner; her grandchildren, Sadie Massey, Caitlin and Michael Butkus, Montana Warren, Emma and Matthew Forde and Catherine Forde; her in-laws, Glenn Mathieu and his wife, Lisa, of Centerville, Guy Mathieu and his wife, Patricia, of Fort Meyers, Florida, and Gregg Mathieu and his wife, Deborah, Osterville; her much loved dog, Benji; many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends honored and remembered Mary's life by gathering for calling hours at , 5 Church Rd., On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Sunday, June 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. and again at 8:45 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where her Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

In honor of Mary's love for her parish donations in her memory may be made to Saint Mary's Church, Building Fund, 18 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.