Mary Elizabeth Pepi

Mary Elizabeth (Hannon) Pepi, age 84, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Victoria Haven Nursing Facility in Norwood, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 16, 1941, she was the daughter of William J. and Celia V. (Lynch) Hannon. Mary was raised in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston, and attended the local public schools, graduating from Roslindale High School with the class of 1959.

Just prior to her graduation, Mary met her future husband, Vernon D. Pepi, outside of the local Howard Johnson's in West Roxbury, where he boldly asked her to join him for a cup of coffee. It was true love at first sight, and after a whirlwind romance, the pair were married at Saint Andrew's Church in Jamaica Plain on January 22, 1960.

The newlyweds made their married home in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston, where they began to raise a family and Mary took on the role of home maker. Mary and Vernon welcomed four children in the coming years, as well as many beloved pets. Beginning in 1962, Mary always had at least one poodle to call her own, and her children often convinced her to have pets of their own such as parakeets, turtles, and hamsters that Mary inevitably took care of. In 1977, the Pepi family left the city behind, moving to the suburbs and purchasing a home in Walpole, a community they adored. Mary made their house a home, creating a warm and inviting environment. Holidays were made fun at Mary's house, sharing traditions that would be passed on for generations.

Mary was primarily a home maker, but she held a variety of jobs over the years. She was an Avon lady for more than 25 years, worked in data processing at the Southwood Community Hospital, and worked as a “cafeteria lady” at Norfolk Aggie. In addition to keeping her house, raising her family, and working, Mary was a CCD teacher, sharing her faith with the community.

Mary's favorite pastime was camping. She and Vernon were seasonal trailer campers at Maple Park in Wareham but also enjoyed camping in their RV’s. Over the years they traveled up and down the East Coast, from Canada to Florida, stopping in Kentucky and Tennessee, and even caravanned out to Ohio with their children and grandchildren to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Maine was a particular favorite, visiting the Pine Tree State many times over the years.

In her free time, Mary also enjoyed square dancing, a hobby that she and Vernon picked up together in the 70's and continued to enjoy with their friends at Maple Park. At home Mary enjoyed watching the birds and gardening. Every year she would tend to her perennials and plant her annuals, taking her grandchildren to the garden centers with her where she would teach them about the different plants. She enjoyed music, listening to hard rock like AC/DC, KISS, and Jimi Hendrix, but also quieter and gentler music, playing the organ by ear. Mary was also famous for some of her sayings, reminding her loved ones that "this too shall pass" and offering advice like "don't try to figure anyone out". More than that, Mary was famous for her love of dessert. A sweet tooth like no other, Mary never turned down an after-dinner treat, enjoying every bite with a smile on her face.

Beloved wife of Vernon D. Pepi.

Loving mother of Karen M. Thomas and her husband James of Foxborough, Vernon D. Pepi of Mansfield, Valerie D. Pepi of East Walpole and her partner Steve Reney of Dartmouth, and Scott D. Pepi and his wife Teri of Attleboro.

Cherished grandmother of Patrick, Brendan, Stephanie, Steven, Jason, Ian, Dan, Ryan, and Kyle; and great grandmother of four.

Sister of Kathryn Hannon of Berwick, Maine, Ruth Hannon of Milton, and the late Claire H. Brown, William J. Hannon, Constance Byrne, Frances C. Keiran, Charles Hannon, and Joan M. Carver.

Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Mary's visitation on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A funeral home service will follow at 7:00 pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary's name may be made to a charity of one's choice.