Mary McCarthy Bivins

Mary McCarthy Bivins was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 14, 1942. She died on April 9, 2023. Mary was predeceased by her parents William Joseph and Mary Hurley McCarthy, her brothers William, James, Edward and her sister Ann. Mary was raised in Boston where she attended Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury, Massachusetts and Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. She met her husband Lt Cdr Howard Vernon Bivins US Navy (Retired) in 1965 and her travels around the world began. Each of her children were born in different states and with each state she gave her time and talents. In California she sponsored International wives from Sri Lanka, Norway and Turkey. When Howard served in Vietnam she became President of the Wives of Officers Overseas. While stationed in Virginia she worked for the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Maryland, Virginia again and Hawaii she became involved in Religious Education and Girl Scouts. She even started her own school out of her home when the teachers in the public school system went on strike. In Seoul, South Korea, Mary taught English at Hyundai Corporation and upon her return to the United States began a career in banking. She finished up teaching High School religion in Leavenworth, Kansas at Immaculata High School. Mary and Howard retired to Virginia Beach, Virginia and enjoyed the beach and many nights having Happy Hour at the pool. Unfortunately, Howard passed away shortly after their move but Mary made many good friends both in her community and at church and was able to reconnect with several Navy friends from over the years. Mary will be remembered most for the love of the poor making hundreds of necessity bags, her generosity to charities, donating money to build a school wing in Haiti in honor of her husband, making quilts for the victims of Katrina, NICU babies, Waco explosion nursing home victims, and hundreds of quilts for friends and family. Howard died in 2005. Mary leaves behind 3 children, Suzanne Bivins Meyer (Ron), Howard ‘Hank’ William Bivins (Amy) and Christine Bivins Kim (Jin). She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren - Brendan, Ashley, Ian, Alexandra, Corbin, Howard and Mitchell as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who became family. Memorials may be made to: Lifeline to the Homeless 1320 Main St, Houston TX Joseph’s Coat - St John Vianney Catholic Church, Houston TX Or the charity of your choice Visitation: Thursday 4/13 6-8pm Dettling Funeral Home, Houston TX Funeral Mass: Friday 4/14 10am St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Houston TX Interment (summer 2023): St Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River Massachusetts

Mary McCarthy Bivins

June 14, 1942 - April 9, 2023