Mary J. (Tavares) Danahey

Mary Jo (Tavares) Danahey of Forestdale passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born in Sao Miguel, Azores, Mary traveled to America with her parents, Manuel and Mary (Carvalho) Tavares, and her two of her siblings during World War II—a story she loved sharing with anyone who spent time with her.

The last 30+ years were the best of her life, filled with love as she lived with her youngest daughter, Jacqueline, and the Franco family. If you’ve ever visited the Francos, you were welcomed at the table by Grandma. It was there that she held court, becoming “Grandma” to so many. Her absence leaves a space too vast to measure, and our little world on Joe-Jay Lane will never feel quite as full again.

We will miss her dancing, her quick wit, her fiery opinions, her warm and generous spirit, and her fierce confidence in Christ. We will miss her big kisses, her unwavering love, and hearing her pray every night for every member of our family. She was our foundation, a steady presence whose legacy lives on in the strength of our beautiful family stretching from coast to coast.

Her legacy continues through her son, Brian (Tammy); daughters, Mary Ellen (Gary) and Jacqueline (Steven); her ten grandchildren—Ashley, Marc, Michael, Christopher, Caleb, Rebekah, Samantha, Kacey, Alexa, and Seth—and her six beautiful great-grandchildren, Logan, Noah, Leo, Mateo, Solena, and Marigold.

Mary is survived by her brothers Herbert (Ginny) and Gilbert (Rose), and her sister-in-law Diane. She now joins her parents, Manuel and Mary; her brother, Joseph; her sisters, Antoinette and Denise; and her beloved son, Daniel.

Mary was never afraid to meet Jesus, though hospitals and doctors always unnerved her. We are profoundly grateful that God took her in the midst of her usual routine, surrounded by the people who cherished her most. There was no fear, no hesitation—she simply stepped out of one reality of love into the next.

Now, she joins the Lord, her family, and all those she loved who have gone before her, seated at His table. We can hear her saying, “Jesus, I’d like some of that.” ❤️

Until we meet again, we will always miss you.

A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, 475 E. Britannia St. Taunton, MA.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in Mary's honor to Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, 68 Route 134 South Dennis, MA 02660 or online donations can be made at http://escci.org/donate

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