Obituary of Mary Middlebrook

Mary Middlebrook, a cherished mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on January 21, at the age of 88. Born to the late Michael and Theresa Matanza of Cambridge. Mary was married to the late John Stephens when they moved their 3 children to Burlington and together built their new home where she remained for 62 years. 

From her early days, Mary's spirited nature shone brightly. A Cambridge native, she excelled in basketball and nurtured a lifelong love for the outdoors. She loved spending summers with her children at Humarock in Scituate, filled with fun days clam digging and serene moments at the Spit. Mary's deep appreciation for nature extended to her family cabin in New Hampshire, where bird watching and basking in the tranquility of the wilderness were her solace. 

Mary's journey through life was marked by her unwavering strength, compassion, and a notable career as a purchasing agent with industry leaders like Sylvania, Raytheon, and Hybrid Systems. 

Later in 1970 Mary met and married the late Richard Middlebrook, who also had 3 children and they all lived together, commonly being called the Brady Bunch. 

Mary's zest for life was evident in her diverse interests and contributions. As the Head of the Air Force Sgt. Association of the Women's Auxiliary Elks in Hanscom, she was at the forefront of socials and fundraisers, touching many lives through her dedication and warmth. Her culinary skills, particularly her stuffed artichokes, was the heart of her home, making her not just a mother and grandmother to her own family, but to the entire neighborhood. 

Her passion for the arts was unparalleled; Mary's love for the opera led her to magnificent theaters in New York and Boston, seeing performances by her favorite Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, holding a special place in her heart. An avid traveler, Mary's adventures took her to Rome and the beautiful canals of Venice, enriching her love for diverse cultures and experiences. 

Mary's legacy of love and care is carried on by her adoring family: her children, John Stephens and his wife Janice of Pelham, NH, Sandra Murphy of Lunenburg, MA, the late Michael Stephens and his wife Liz of Kittery, ME, Denise Matthews and the late Joseph (Ricky) Middlebrook of San Antonio, TX, and Randall Middlebrook of Helena, MT; her grandchildren, Daniel, Kimberly, Evan, Taylor, Lili, Michael, Christopher, Eric, Terry, Carrie Ann, Sean, Heather, April, along with several great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories of her late brother, David Eason. 

Mary's life will be honored and remembered during the visiting hours from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, January 26, at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. A funeral service celebrating her remarkable journey will be held on January 27, at 12 PM Noon, at the same location, followed by a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 52 Bedford Street, Burlington, MA 01803. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. 

For online guestbook, tribute video, and service information, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net