Mary Bristol

Mary Bates Bristol, a long-time resident of Weymouth, passed away peacefully with loving family by her side on May 1, 2023. She was 90 years old.

Beloved wife of James (Jim) Bristol, Jr, Mary will be forever cherished and loved by her children, Mary Jo Gregg and her husband Brad of NH, Janet Bristol and her partner Frank Snow of Scituate, Amy Webb and her husband Greg of Norwell, James Bristol III and his partner Beth Durant of Weymouth, and David Bristol and his wife Joanie of Hanover, grandchildren Kaitlin, Bryan, Amy Beth, Brittany, Emily, John, Heather, Curtis, Gretchen, Ryan, Jake, Steve, Chase, Sam, and James, and her great-grandchildren, Elliot, Christopher, Kokoro, Asa, Lilah, Leo, and one more, arriving soon! Mary is also survived by her sister, Betty McCord, of Colorado. She was predeceased by her sister, Lois Bates Green.

The youngest daughter of Russell T. and Gretchen (Walker) Bates of Quincy, Mary graduated from Thayer Academy and UMass Amherst, where Mary and Jim started their rides together in his Model T Ford. They were married in 1954.

Mary is described by all who knew her with one word: “sweet”. Her passion was her love of family and her involvement in the community. Mary was a pioneer in education, forming a board at Old South Union Church in the 1960’s to create the first local kindergarten, housed in the church, before public kindergartens were available. This went on to become the wonderful nursery school it is today. Mary also taught children in the public school at Seach Elementary in Weymouth.

Mary treasured time with family. Countless memories endure of 4th of July parades, riding in the ’68 Mustang convertible, swimming at the beach by her parent’s home on Adams Shore, summer trips to Quonochontaug RI, gathering at the backyard pool with grandchildren, skating on the rink Jim built in the yard, sharing many rides in their Model T Ford. Mary loved life and time with her family more than anything else.

Mary and Jim enjoyed several vacations to St Maarten and Tortola with family and friends.

The Bates Room at The Range in Hingham was dedicated on her 90th birthday for her lifelong commitment to the family’s quarrying and Sand & Gravel businesses, Bates Bros. Seam Face Granite Co. and JF Price Co. From counting the payroll as a little girl to making sure the bills were paid right up to that birthday...Mary, Mom, Grammy, Batesie - you’re the best!

Mary’s family is planning a private service. In her memory, Mary would want us to carry on, and to care for and love one another, as she offered unconditional faith, love, and care every day of her life. She will be missed more than words can say.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer research via the Pan Mass Challenge: for Team Walk On (riders include some of Mary’s grandchildren).

www.PMC.org   Click Find a rider, then type in: Team Walk On. You will see a photo of Mary with daughter Amy.