Mary Cynthia Hurley

Mary Cynthia Hurley (“Cynthia”) passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 surrounded by family.

Cynthia was the devoted wife of Patrick J. Hurley and the loving and proud mother of Carolan H. Blackwood and her husband Peter of Hingham, Caitlin K. Hollebone and her husband Jamie of Sydney Australia, and Patrick J. Hurley Jr. and his wife Katherine of Hingham. She was the cherished grandmother of Madeleine Hurley Blackwood, Elizabeth Hurley Blackwood, Michael Hurley Blackwood, Henry James Hollebone, Charlotte Elizabeth June Hollebone, Patrick Joseph Hurley III, John Stark Hurley, and Morgan McShane Hurley.

Cynthia was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Muriel Carolan; her brothers, Alfred J. Carolan Jr. and Mark Carolan; and her sister, Ellen Carolan.

Raised on Edgemere Road in Quincy and spending summers on Marthas Vineyard, Cynthia attended Fontbonne Academy graduating with the class of 1961. She earned her undergraduate degree from Emmanuel College in 1965, subsequently serving as President of the Emmanuel Alumni Association from 1987-1989. While studying for her M.Ed from Boston College she crossed paths in Megansett with her future husband Patrick Hurley.

Following her studies, she began her teaching career in Hingham and later in Cohasset until her retirement in 2004. She had a deep love and commitment to education and touched many lives through her work. Cynthia believed strongly in service, participating in a variety of volunteer activities in the community – including the Junior League, Red Cross, Garden Club, Eucharistic Ministry, Meals on Wheels, and was a longtime supporter of the Pine Street Inn.

Cynthia and Pat were engaged at the Paulist Center in Boston, exchanged their wedding vows at Our Lady of Good Counsel on June 21, 1969, and enjoyed a honeymoon on Nantucket. They settled in Cohasset, where they lovingly raised their three children and created a warm and full life together. Summers were spent in Megansett enjoying events at the MYC, sunset sails on Bluebell, afternoon naps on Recess, and family dinners at home.

Cynthia’s smile lit up every room she entered, and her warmth made everyone feel at home. She loved spending time in her garden, where flowers blossomed under her green thumb. Baking was another joy - her lemon loves, key lime pie and chocolate sauce were family favorites. Cynthia found the most happiness in simple moments with the people she loved, whether that meant gathering with family or catching up with old friends. Her kindness and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Cynthia will be remembered for her warmth, her dedication to her family, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her love and spirit will remain with all who knew her.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-7pm on March 22nd at McNamara Sparrell funeral home in Cohasset. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass which will be held on March 23rd at 10am in St. Anthony’s Parish in Cohasset, with a reception to follow mass at the Parish Center.