BURROUGHS, Mary Margaret (formerly McCarty, née Read) Passed away at Resthaven Home & Hospital on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026, aged 90 years. Wife of the late Bill Burroughs and the late Denton McCarty. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Peter & Michelle, Mary-Ann, Philip, Mike & the late Megan, the late Diane & Murray, and the late Kevin & Tina. Adored Nana to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary will be lying in state at her home for those wishing to visit and pay their respects prior to her funeral.
A Requiem Mass to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Anzac Street, Cambridge, on Monday, 7th September 2026 at 6.00pm, followed by burial at Hamilton Park Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday, 8th September 2026. Messages to the McCarty Family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Mary’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz.
Rest in Peace.
3 Messages:
It has been an absolute pleasure having you in my life for the last 35 years and for allowing me to marry Megan , always lovely food on the table a warm bed encouraging words and loving concern for your family ,
Go well I’m sure you are with all of the family and you are at peace, one that is hard/ sent, we will miss you I really sorry I didn’t get to see you before you started the next stage of your journey lots of love Mike and rest of the fsmily
Peter, Michelle, Mary Anne and family I was really sorry to hear the sad news of Mary’s passing. Thinking and praying for you all at this really hard time.
Mary has been thru a lot since her Birthday and is now at peace.
The last time I saw Mary she said she was tired and went back to sleep.
Thanks so much for inviting me to
Mary’s 90th Birthday which I really enjoyed and appreciated.
Sorry I wasn’t at Mary’s Funeral as I’m in Auckland helping Lucy look after Lockie my Grandson as Ben my son is overseas for work.
Rest in peace Mary.
Lynne Lacey 🌹🌹🌹🌹
Heartfelt condolences to Mary’s family. The news of her passing came as a shock, only I am mindful of our faith and the belief that this end is really a beginning… It doesn’t ease the sadness right now, but it will as Mary continues to glow in our hearts. In my mind’s eye Mary is always smiling.
I watched the service from Australia, she would have loved every moment. It was a wonderful tribute and legacy of faith, family and friendships.
I’d like to share the story (as best I can) of our connection… As a youngster my Dad, Ben Seaver (dec) of Hawera competed in push bike races round the mountain. While taking part in such an event, Dad had severe cramp and came off his bike at the gate of a farm in Opunake. Which is how he met Jack Reid.
As a child I recall many visits to Mr & Mrs Reid’s home… I don’t think we ever arranged these visits or even took anything. There was likely 6 or more of us unannounced and always plenty of afternoon tea. Later any one of my siblings including myself would pop in if we were passing or in Opunake to play tennis. I moved to Hamilton in my early 20s and used to visit Nana Reid at the rest home. I was privileged to attend both her 90th and 100th celebrations.
By this time Mary was married to Bill. My Mum (Aileen, dec) & Dad were their witnesses as Dad & Bill had been longtime friends and ‘Savages’ (if you know you know)…
Over the years the friendships grew. Myself & Greg, John & Cheryl (dec), Mike (dec) & Mary, Anne-Marie & Mike, Tricia & Alan would often visit at 1 Williamson St. Mary always wanted an update on what everyone was up to. Sharing the stories of her own family too. Her memory was sharp and tales of her visits to my Dad, his Mum and his siblings in Hawera were my favourite. She brought to life the personality of the Grandmother I never met.
I will be forever thankful and grateful to have celebrated Mary’s 90th and reconnected with many of her family and friends.
A life of love and laughter, sadness and despair, health, happiness, illness and grief. Always surrounded by family, friends, food and a cuppa.
What a mark you have left in this world.
Much love Cathryn Seaver-Smith