Mary Joyce (Driscoll) DeYoung

Mary Joyce (Driscoll) DeYoung

MYSTIC, CT – Mary Joyce (Driscoll) DeYoung, 84, formerly of StoneRidge in Mystic, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, following a brief illness.

Born in Whitinsville, MA, on July 18, 1941, Mary was the eldest daughter of the late Charles E. "Luke" and Florence M. (Sullivan) Driscoll. She grew up in Whitinsville, graduating from Northbridge High School in 1959. Driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Mary graduated from the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. Her dedication to learning led her to earn a B.A. in Psychology/Sociology, a Master of Arts in Community Psychology, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hartford.

Mary’s career spanned decades of dedicated public health and healthcare leadership. She began as a staff nurse at Worcester State Hospital, later serving as a Crisis Intervention Therapist for the Glastonbury Police Department (1976–1980). She went on to work as an Administrator for Kaiser Permanente (1981–1999), Vice President of Operations at Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield, CT (2000–2005), and a Clinical Nurse at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Primary Care Center in Groton (2009).

Mary raised her family in Enfield and Glastonbury, CT, before moving to the Stonington and Mystic areas in 2005. At StoneRidge, Mary was known for her boundless energy and community spirit. She served on the marketing committee, belonged to a book club, and enjoyed playing in the Mahjong club. Mary enjoyed horseback riding, sailing, and training her dog, Fenna, as a therapy dog. Together, they brought comfort and joy to local libraries, nursing homes, and residents at StoneRidge. Most notably, she founded the "Wicked Woman" social club—a title that perfectly embodied her sharp wit, incredible zest for life, and love of fun.

She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Cathy DeYoung and her husband Damian Packer of Hopkinton, MA, and Deb Lennon and her husband Tom Lennon of Mystic, CT; and her two cherished grandchildren, Evan Packer and Trinity Lennon. She also leaves behind her sister, Kathleen Malliarakis of Arlington, VA, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Paul DeYoung, her ex-husband Robert DeYoung, and her brother, Edward Driscoll.

Arrangements:

A wake will be held at the Mystic Funeral Home,  51 Williams Ave, Mystic, CT, on June 30th from 5-7 PM. Private Burial services will be held St. Patricks’ Cemetery in Whitinsville at the family’s convenience. Jackman Funeral Home is directing local arrangements.

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