Mary P. (Littleton) Hale

Mary Littleton Hale of 17 Horn Rd., York returned to her beloved Jesus on Sunday, December 26. Her deep faith was a constant in her life, and an inspiration to many. She was born on January 14, 1944, in Cambridge MA to Ronald and Mary McCarthy Littleton. She graduated from Natick High School in Natick, MA in 1962.

On May 4th, 1968, Mary married the love of her life, David Hale who predeceased her in 2015. Mary was devoted to her family. She is survived by her brother Jim Littleton of Chestnut Hill, MA; her son David Hale and wife Michelle of Fitchburg, MA; her daughter Anne Marie Rivers and husband Stephen of Millville, MA; son Christopher Hale of Owasco, NY; daughter Maureen Soto and husband Luis of Dudley, MA; as well as her precious grandchildren: Ciara Rose Hale, Ethan Hale, Elizabeth Rivers, William Rivers, Vanessa Rivers, Natalie Hale, Brian Hale, Lucas Soto, Gabriel Soto, and Isabella Soto.

Mary was a compassionate teacher and caregiver. For many years, she ran a daycare in her home. Then, as a young mother, she felt called by God to be a teacher for special needs students. She obtained her Bachelor of Education degree from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA, and later obtained her Masters of Education from Lesley as well. She spent many years teaching special needs students, first in Massachusetts, and then at the Ellis School in Fremont, NH. Mary had a great love of all children, including every one of her special needs students. She said that when she looked in their eyes, she saw the eyes of Jesus.

Family was so important to Mary. She was incredibly proud of all of her children and their accomplishments. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved spending time with them anywhere, but especially at her beloved York Beach and the Nubble Light.

Mary loved nature, being outside, walking, and people. She made friends everywhere she went. Many will miss seeing her on her daily jaunts to the beach.

She had a heart full of gratitude and wonder and saw God’s beauty everywhere and in everyone.

She was a faithful member of St. John’s Church in Hopkinton, MA for 32 years and then St. Christopher’s and Star of the Sea Churches in York, ME for 20 years. She served in many capacities, most notably as a Eucharistic Minister, and a Religious Education Teacher for Children with Special Needs. Another ministry of hers was Cursillo, where she was a team member on numerous weekends, touching the lives of many women. She was truly a humble, faithful servant.

Mary leaves an indelible legacy - she made the world a gentler, kinder place. Those of us who were lucky enough to know her can honor her by living as she did - freely sharing joy, love, gratitude, and wonder - and by loving God and sharing his compassion and mercy with all we encounter.

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