Mary S. Larsen’s journey in life ended on Jan. 17 in Stuart, Fla. She was born on March 29, 1926 in Oak Bluffs, to Stanley M. Smith and Marguerite G. (Simpson) Smith. Mary grew up in Edgartown and graduated from the Edgartown High School with honors. After graduation she moved to Boston to attend the Chandler Business School. While attending Chandler, the president of the Martha’s Vineyard National Bank offered her a job. She moved back to the Island and shortly thereafter met the love of her life, Captain Louis S. Larsen of Chilmark. They were married on April 24, 1947, and they settled into their home in Chilmark.

Soon their home became a central hub of the town. Her door was always open to the regulars who came for coffee, to the children who came to play, and to anyone who had no place to go. Mary began her 46-year career for the town of Chilmark as assistant town clerk. In 1969 she took a brief hiatus from the town to start Larsen’s Fish Market with her husband. She returned to the town as town clerk from 1972 to 1976 and as executive secretary from 1976 until her retirement in 1995.

As if working and raising a family (often alone while her husband was fishing) wasn’t enough, she volunteered for many things within her community. She was den mother for the Cub Scouts, a 4H leader, a reading tutor for children with challenges, and served for many years on the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School committee, to name a few.

Mary believed in sharing the blessings in her life and gave generously to her family and to those who are less fortunate.

She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, play games (when she won), and to travel, but most of all she loved her family, her friends and her community.

One of the biggest highlights of her life was the surprise 60th wedding anniversary party her family and friends held for her and her husband. It is such a comfort to know that she knew how much she is loved.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Louis, her son Daniel and his wife, Marie, her daughter Kristine and her fiancé, Kirk, her son Louis and his wife, Beth, and her daughter Betsy and her husband, Bob. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one on the way. She is survived by her brother Nelson and his wife, Ann, her brother Michael and his wife, Lucie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her parents, her three brothers Bill, Mark and Georgie, and her three sisters Kay, Carole and Diane. “To the world you are one person, but to us you are the world.”