Mary C. Hutchinson, 97, Was Native of Oak Bluffs

Mary Claire Estrella Hutchinson died Monday, May 22, at her home in Boynton Beach, Fla., surrounded by her family, Gladys Gordon, her new friend in the end, and her treasured pets, Brother and Bum. She was 97.

Mary was born April 5, 1909, on a raft in Oak Bluffs. Weighing just a pound and a quarter, she was wrapped in cotton and placed on a tiny pillow inside of a cigar box as her first bed. She was warmed by the heat of the coal stove as the onset of her first Vineyard spring unfolded.

She was raised in Massachusetts and later moved to Trenton, N.J., where she lived most of her adult life. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was a devoted friend to many who have gone before her.

She gave many gifts to many people, but the gift of her time and love will continue immeasurably. Her love of flowers, music, birds and nature was evident throughout her life. Through her own unbounded giving of herself, she taught those around her the true meaning of serving others and of selfless love.

Mary is survived by her sister, Madeline Estrella of Sunrise, Fla.; three daughters, Claire Rich and her husband, Harry, of Freeland, Wash., Melanie Daly of Oakland Park, Fla., and Marlene Frazzini of Mahwah and Boynton Beach; 14 grandchildren, Suzanne, Les, Lauren, Jennifer, Tina, Richie, Kenny, Jody, Jennifer, Megan, Jeffrey, Shawn, Matthew and Alfie; 17 great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Ryan, Joey, Chad, Shannon, Hannah, Tyler, Amber, Trevor, Blake, Kasten, Gianna, Marty, Clark, Alexa, Kyle and Cameron; six great-great-grandchildren, Joseph, Cody, Hunter, Emily, Avery and the newest arrival, Joel; and sister in law Rita Estrella of Trenton.

Funeral services were held at the M. William Murphy Funeral Home in Ewing, N.J. Interment followed in St. Mary's Cemetery in Hamilton township.