Obituary of Mary E. (Mullen) Fanton

Mary E. (Mullen) Fanton, of Kingston, unexpectedly left this world to be with her beloved son and husband on December 13, 2018. Affectionately known to many as Marie, she was an exceptional mother, daughter, sister and friend. Her greatest joy in life was raising her three children and spending time with them and their families.  Her children were always her priority and her focus throughout her life.  Don’t tell me not to worry she would say to them, no matter how old you are! To her children, Mary was a spiritual rock, a constant champion, and a mother whose thoughtfulness and love were unending.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and had the ability to make anyone smile.  Her ability to listen and offer gentle advice were unmatched. Born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Stoughton and Canton, she was the daughter of the late John Mullen Sr. and Dorothy (Dansereau) Mullen.  She was the youngest of five children, all of whom predecease her:  Dorothy, Edna, John and Charles. Accepted into a program with the Western Union in her late teens, she moved to Washington, DC where she met her future husband, John, to whom she was married for over 60 years.  She was voted Ms. Western Union during her tenure and modeled for Baltimore’s Hoschild Kohn department store. After John’s 12 years of service to the US Navy, and after moving back to Massachusetts, Mary and John raised their family on the South Shore living the past 57 years in Kingston.  Mary was a devout Catholic and a devotee of St. Jude.  She said her prayers and Rosary daily and was always adding to her list whenever she learned of someone who was in need. Mary loved to keep busy and in her younger days when she wasn’t working on a project around the house, she was making slipcovers for family and friends.  She loved animals and rescued numerous wire-haired fox terriers over the years. Mary’s family and friends are truly heartbroken by this great loss but they know that God has chosen a special gift for his heavenly family at this Christmas time. Mary is survived by her devoted sons and grandson and their families:  Joel of Kingston, John of Florida, and Michael of Maryland.  She is also survived by numerous friends whom she loved dearly as well as many nieces and nephews including her dear nieces Bernadette and Charlene Mullen of California.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband John and her treasured son Christopher. Funeral services, by the Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston are private.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mary’s favorite charity, St. Jude Hospital, www.stjude.org.