Southbridge: Mary J. (Damian) Canty, 99, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15th, in her home after an illness. Her husband of 55 years, Ambrose R. 'Amby' Canty, passed away in 2009.  Her daughter, Joan R. Murphy of Worcester, passed away this past August.  She leaves her 6 children, Ambrose R. 'Amby' Canty, Jr. and his wife Sandra of Davenport, IA, Anne P. Canty of Port Orange, FL, Jane E. Gauthier and her husband Richard of Southbridge, MaryLynne Deshaies and her husband Gerald of Sturbridge, John D. Canty and his wife Kimberly of Webster, and Kathryn M. Canty of Los Angeles, CA; her 12 grandchildren, Adam Canty, Matthew Canty, David Canty, Brennan Gauthier, Tom Canty, Connor Gauthier, Christhanha Canty, Cailyn Canty, Ryan Canty, Kelsey Canty, Maria Murphy, Anna Murphy, and many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her four brothers, Walter Damian, John Damian, Joseph Damian and Stanley Damian, and her two sisters, Beatrice Belanger and Helen Prince.  Mary was born in Southbridge, the daughter of Julian and Anna (Trzynka) Damian.

A true matriarch, she was the loving mother of seven children, fostering a family that stretches over four generations. Born during a different era, she lived through the great depression, World War II, the evolution of the internet and eighteen U.S. presidencies. After graduating in 1944 from Mary E. Wells High School in Southbridge, she established herself as an independent and accomplished woman in the corporate workplace, at a time when it was not common to do so. She worked in the accounting department for Sears, Roebuck and Co as a bookkeeper, and for the American Optical Company as an administrative assistant to the vice president, where she had the pleasure and honor of meeting then future president John F. Kennedy.

In 1953, she married the love of her life, Ambrose "Amby" Canty, and she began to establish her legacy as a dedicated, loving wife and mother. She lived her life devoted to her family, providing them with her love, quiet strength, and grace. She taught her children, by example, and by her beliefs, the values of resilience, faith, kindness, and hard work. She was the heart of every gathering, bringing her joy, generosity, and love of family tradition. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, cooking, painting, and watching her favorite sports teams, particularly the Boston Red Sox (and Carl Yastrzemski), the Celtics and New England Patriots.

Her incredible spirit will be missed but will live on in the many lives that she has touched.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, February 6th, 2026, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 12:00 PM in the St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the church will be held on February 6th, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund or American Cancer Society.