Mary E. Clayton Obituary
Mary E. (Brien) Clayton, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard "Earl" Clayton, who passed away in 2015.
Born and raised in Gloucester, Mary was the daughter of the late Raymond and Olive (Mitchell) Brien. She was especially close to her father, whom she lovingly called "Pa.". Mary grew up on Portuguese Hill and fondly recalled ice skating on Webster's Pond (Mattos Field) with her cousins Ruthie (Viator/Cunningham), Julia "Sis" Amero (Goulart), Renee (Duwart), Mary "Babe" (Duwart), and Ralph Goulart. She also cherished memories of fun beach days and annual trips to the Topsfield Fair with her sister Olive "Ollie," brother-in-law Chester Stone, and their children.
Mary was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Affectionately known as "Gram," she will be remembered for her loving spirit that brought joy and laughter to those around her. She was a proud fan of the Boston Red Sox and Celtics, often watching games with her husband, Earl. A lifelong lover of the ocean, Mary enjoyed long walks, fresh sea air, and never turned down a Dunkin' Donuts coffee—especially when brought by her brother Tom during his visits to Masconomet Healthcare Center, where she was lovingly cared for in recent years.
Mary is survived by her son, Nicholas Brien (Tracy Landry) of Georgia; her daughter, Nicole Anderson (Glen) of South Carolina; stepchildren, Richard Clayton (Cynthia), Kevin Clayton (Marie), Jeffrey Clayton, Sharon Chianciola (Walter), and Heidi Tarbox (James), all of Gloucester, as well as Theresa Delaney (Mark) of New Hampshire; grandchildren, Francis Brien of California, Holly O'Connor (Chris Bernbaum), Nathaniel Doherty, Kristen Jones, and Isla Anderson; along with several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Navy Corpsman Samantha Brien, Nickolas and Blake Brien of California, Myiah Porper of Gloucester, Trevor and Jonathan Doherty, and Ella, Brooklyn, Blair, and Judson Jones of Maine. She is also survived her brother, Thomas Brien. She is also fondly remembered by many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents and her husband of over 40 years, Mary was predeceased by her daughter, Ollie Brien O'Connor and son-in-law, David O'Connor, with whom she shared many joyful holidays; siblings Raymond, Ralph, Patrick, and James Brien; her cherished sister, Olive Stone and her husband Chester; sisters-in-law, Cora Muise (Fred), Elizabeth "Betty" Blow (Ronnie); brothers-in-law, "Jack" Clayton (Patricia) and Jim Clayton; and her stepdaughter, Karen Clayton.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect Street, Gloucester at 11:30 a.m. The burial will be held at Beechbrook Cemetery, 401 Essex Avenue, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
