Mary K. (Perilli) Stenson, age 80, of Naples, Fla., formerly of Hampstead, N.H., died peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at NCH Baker Hospital Downtown.

Mary was born in Astoria, N.Y., to the late William and Mary Perilli. She was raised and educated on Long Island and was a graduate of the former Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston, Mass.

She lived in Naples, Fla. for the last ten years, previously in Hampstead, N.H. for over thirty-five years, and earlier in Abington, Mass.

Ardently devoted to children and their education, Mary served as secretary at the Hampstead Middle School and later enjoyed a rewarding career as senior administrative assistant for WestEd in Stoneham, Mass. She also earned the elected position of chairman of the school board in her town of Hampstead, N.H. She had been retired for many years.

A woman of faith, Mary was a parishioner of Saint Anne Catholic Church in Hampstead, N.H., and in Naples, Fla., where she served as a lector. She also volunteered her time to Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence, Mass.

Mary enjoyed spending time outdoors, planting flowers, caring for animals, literature, and music. She greatly enjoyed the time she spent traveling abroad. Most of all, she cherished time spent with family and friends, and was especially devoted to her grandchildren, actively supporting and relishing their growth.

Beloved wife of the late John B. Stenson, Sr.

Devoted mother of Kathleen M. Stenson of Malibu, Calif. and her husband Michael Douglas, Kerry M. Stenson of Naples, Fla., Paul M. Stenson and his wife Haiyan Gao of Beijing, China, and Katie M. Stenson Harrington and her husband Bennet of Naples, Fla.

Loving grandmother of Roger Stenson, Henry, Ajax, and Dante Harrington.

One of three siblings, she was predeceased by William Perilli, Jr. and Carol Perilli.

Mary is also survived by her step-children, Donna M. Leverant and her husband David, Cheryl A. Crowley, and John B. Stenson, Jr., as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Memorial Visitation at the church prior to the Mass from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Inurnment at Mount Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy. A celebration of Mary’s life will follow services at the cemetery. Another celebration of Mary’s life will take place in Naples, Fla. at a later date.

For those who wish, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.