Mary Jo (Dewhurst) Heffernan, 63, Physical Therapy Aide at Holy Family Hospital

Mary Jo (Dewhurst) Heffernan, 63, a lifelong Haverhill resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 24, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife and best friend of Jack Heffernan, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage.

Born in Haverhill on Sept. 21, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Eileen (Halloran) Dewhurst. Heffernan attended Haverhill Public Schools, and graduated from Haverhill High School in 1972. She recently retired from Holy Family Hospital, where she was a physical therapy aide.
Heffernan was beautiful, kind and caring. She touched the hearts of many with her warm, genuine bright smile that could light up the room. She cherished her four grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as “Mimmy.”

Some of her favorite pastimes were kayaking, bike riding, dancing, campfires, laughing at her husband and especially riding her bright red ATV on the trails surrounding Big Rock Campground in North Stratford, N.H. with her many friends. Heffernan greatly enjoyed being with her sisters and brothers playing music and singing along. She loved being with people and just having fun.

In addition to her devoted husband Jack, she is survived by her daughters Keri Greely and husband Jay of Seabrook, N.H. and Judy Devine and husband Mike of Sandown, N.H., and her four grandchildren, Ryan and Trevor Greely, Nora and Molly Devine. She also leaves behind her siblings Benjamin Dewhurst and his wife Karen, Pattie Noonan and her husband Mark, Teresa McCormick and her husband Grady, Judy Lalumiere and her husband Norm, and Dan Dewhurst and his partner Sue Kneeland. She will also be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, very large extended family as well as all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A celebration of Heffernan’s life will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28 in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 3 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center to support patient care. Please send your gift to: Philanthropy Office, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805. You may also donate at Giving.LaheyHealth.org/ Donate.