Obituary for Mary Cassidy Burns
Mary Cassidy Burns
January 21, 1927- May 23, 2022
Mary Cassidy Burns, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2022.
She was born in Chicago, Ill, January 21st, 1927. Mary was the eldest daughter
born to Margaret Fitzgerald Cassidy and John Joseph Cassidy. She was
predeceased by her older brother, Jack Cassidy (Marilyn), and her two sisters,
Margaret Cassidy Burns (the late Bart), Barbara Cassidy De Smet (Harry).
Mary was also predeceased by her Husband of 40 years, John Valentine Burns
who died in 1991 and their infant son, David Anthony in 1958.
Mary met John in their hometown of Chicago, Ill. The early years of their
marriage found them on the move with their growing family. They first lived
in Chicago, Ill, then Cincinnati, OH, Winnetka, Ill and later in Greenwich, CT
where they settled with their 5 children: Valerie Winebrenner (the late John),
Jack Burns (the late Katrena), Bridget Bucknall (Stafford), Richard Burns
(Cricket) and KK Lowther (George).
Mary was a prolific artist and attended Marquette University. She returned to
college in her late 40’s to continue her studies in painting and design. Many
of her vivid, bright, and happy paintings hung on every wall in her home always
a “colorful” topic of conversation!
A strong woman of faith she always felt it was important to give back. In the
late 60’s Mary was the first former patient volunteer at Memorial Hospital in
NYC (MSK). She also volunteered at Greenwich Hospital and Encore Resale in
Naples.
In 1980 upon retirement, Mary, and John, who loved to travel, took an
extensive trip “around the world” before settling in Naples, Florida.
Mary was extremely active and continued to pursue her love of golf, playing
with her family and friends at The Hole in the Wall Club into her 90’s. Among
her accomplishments on the course, she had a hole in one and won the first
ladies Gold Medal Championship.
Mary also loved playing bridge with her friends at the Port Royal Club. A
favorite spot of Mary’s where she gathered and shared many holidays and
celebrations with her family.
Mary was known as Nana to her grandchildren: Mary Beth Winningham,
Christen Bucknall Ryan (Matthew), Ford and Jonathan Bucknall, John Burns,
Manzi and India Burns, Cassidy, Wellsley and George Lowther. “You always
knew where you stood with Nana, she called it like she saw it and managed to
make you laugh even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. And she was
usually right!!
Mary was a strong woman, smart, kind and had a great sense of humor. While
talented and accomplished, she was humble and always shied away from the
spotlight. And never, ever, would discuss her age, ever!!” She will be dearly
missed.
A celebration of the life of Mary Burns will be announced by the family at a
later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095
Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105