Mary J. Talbot

Mary J. (MacDougall) Talbot, of Exeter, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family through her final days, just as she had surrounded so many others with her kindness and dedication throughout her life.

Mary was born on November 10, 1942 to Michael Rory and Rita (LaRusic) MacDougall in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She was raised on the beautiful Cape Breton Island where she was very active in the 4H Garden Club. Mary was part of a large family with Scottish roots for which she held immense pride. As a young woman, Mary moved to the “Boston States” and made her home in Massachusetts for decades prior to settling in New Hampshire. Her strong work ethic made her a dedicated employee for many years at Orion Industries in Cambridge, Massachusetts and after retirement, at Staples in Stratham, New Hampshire.

Known as Aunt Mary to many who will remember good times and laughter with her, she enjoyed gathering with family and friends for holidays, preparing home cooked meals and baking, and a competitive game of cards. She cherished her frequent phone calls to loved ones that were “back home” in Canada. Her circle of friends and dear neighbors held a special place in her heart as they cared for each other come what may.

Mary’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched with her giving heart, thoughtful advice, and lovingly-crafted Afghan blankets to friends and family. Each blanket is now a treasured reminder of her warmth and the comfort she shared.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Henry Michael Talbot, whose memory she held close to her heart. She later shared her life with a longtime companion, Daniel Estright.

Family was always at the center of Mary’s heart and she found great joy in her beloved son, John Smith and his wife, Francene Frame. She cherished her grandchildren Stephen and Amber Smith, Robert Smith and Erica Rouke, Erin and Sal Ureno. Her great grandchildren, Aden Wildes, Caleb Smith and Aubrie Smith, filled her with pride and joy.

Along with her loving parents, she was predeceased by her infant brother Ernest Anthony MacDougall and sisters Theresa Shomphe (Daniel) and Margaret Thompson (Kevin). Mary will be forever missed by her brothers Leo Mac Dougall (Edie), Ernie MacDougall, and Dan MacDougall; sisters Patsy Doiron, Catherine Stewart (Len), Louise Whalen (Dave), Michelle MacNeil (Michael Dan), and Charlene MacNeil (Dan Joseph). Mary was always interested and excited to hear about the next generations coming up as her nieces and nephews grew and started their own families, as well as, passing on family stories and traditions.

In addition to numerous cousins, she is survived by her uncle, Joe LaRusic, the last of many aunts and uncles who influenced her life. Mary formed a lasting bond with Dan’s daughter, Angie Russo (Roger) as well as Kyle Staveley and Anthony Russo, whom she loved as her own grandsons.

Mary’s final resting spot will be next to her husband at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree, Massachusetts. Family remembrances and celebrations will be held in the US and in Nova Scotia the near future.