Mary Ann Valentini

VALENTINI, Mary Ann (McDonnell) 81 of Sandwich, MA passed away peacefully after a short illness at Royal Health Cape Cod in Bourne, MA on September 27, 2024. She was born to the late Patrick and Mary McDonnell (Lydon) in Cambridge, MA on January 23, 1943.

Mary Ann grew up in Cambridge, where she graduated from Cambridge High & Latin School. She went on to graduate from Sargent College at Boston University with a BS in Physical Education. She was an avid dancer, gymnast and acrobat in her younger and college years. In her early employment years, she worked for the town of Lexington school system. In the 60’s she married the love of her life and moved to Sandwich to start a family. She worked as physical education teacher for the town of Bourne school system until she retired.

During retirement she spent much of her time traveling with friends and her beloved sister Sandy. She was an avid golfer, reader and sports enthusiast. She had an adventurous spirit always willing to try new things. She loved her time with her friends playing games, luncheons and shopping; she especially enjoyed family gatherings particularly cookouts at her sister’s and regular gourmet dinners at her son’s. Her travels took her to places like Europe, UK, Ireland and South America. She was very active in her church, Christ the King, where she was a Eucharistic Minister and donated her time to those in need. She remained active throughout her life with regular walks through town. She took up pickle ball later in life where she made and enjoyed new friendships.

She is survived by her son Brett Valentini and his wife Dana of Sandwich, grandchild; Jamie Costa, her sister Sandra MacQuade, her brothers; James McDonnell (Judy) and Leo McDonnell (Maureen). She was predeceased by her husband Rodney Valentini and brother-in-law John (Jack) MacQuade. She leaves many nieces and nephews; grandnieces and nephews, cousins and her godchildren.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday October 3rd from 4-8pm at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A, Sandwich. A Mass of Catholic burial will be held Friday Oct. 4th 11am at Christ the King Church, 5 Job's Fishing Rd, Mashpee, MA, burial will follow at St. Peter’s cemetery in Sandwich, MA off of Pine and Grove St.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Mary Ann’s name to:

Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research

https://lustgarten.org/?form=give