Mary Lou Heck

Mary Lou Heck, 76, of Eastham, MA and Marco Island, FL, departed this world on January 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, healing, and boundless joy.

She began her career as an X-ray technician after graduating from St. Vincent's Hospital for Radiology. Her expertise and compassionate nature made her a pioneer of sorts in medical imaging, particularly in the 1990s when GE selected her as their test user for groundbreaking digital mammography technology – now the industry standard. Through her work at Westboro Diagnostic, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Chadwick Medical Center, and UMass Memorial Hospital, she transformed routine mammograms into moments of connection. Patients sought her out specifically, often greeting her years later in public like an old friend.

Mary Lou's creative spirit extended beyond medicine. She wrote about health and wellness for various publications, including the Worcester Telegram and Gazette and the Bamboo Telegraph, a magazine published in Singapore, where she lived abroad in 1984–85. Her greatest pride as a writer was mentoring her daughter Jenifer, a writer and filmmaker, claiming – rightfully – credit for teaching Jen the craft.

Life's hardships shaped her early, particularly the loss of her 19-year-old brother Rocky in a car accident. From this profound grief, she learned that joy could be both shield and balm - a lesson she would pass on to her children and grandchildren. She masterfully balanced being the life of the party with serving as a grounding force for those around her. Whether dancing without shame, singing without autotune, or donning one of her signature funny hats, she made every moment sparkle with possibility.

In her later years, she lived her dream between Cape Cod's shores and Marco Island's tropical haven, where she hosted endless gatherings of family and friends. The beach was her sanctuary at every hour, from sunrise to sunset.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 50 years, Albert; daughters Jen (Carolina) and Danielle (Michael); and five beloved grandchildren who carry her spirit: Enzo, Henri, Lukas, Ricky Rio, and her namesake, Mary Lou. She was, and remains, their North Star. She also leaves siblings Norman Foisy (Christine) of California, Marcia Walsh (James) of Webster, Joseph Foisy (Audrey) of Florida, Debbie Walsh (Warren) of West Boylston, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Mulhane Home for Funerals at 45 N. Main St., in Millbury, MA on Monday, January 13 from 4pm-7pm. 

A Funeral Mass will be held the following day Tuesday, January 14th at 10:30 a.m. in Assumption Catholic Church, 12 Waters Street, in Millbury, MA, followed by her committal service at Saint Josephs Cemetery, in Leicester, MA. 

All are welcome and encouraged to join us as we honor Mary Lou's memory by dancing like nobody's watching, laughing until your sides hurt, and loving without reservation – just as she did.

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 If you would like to send flowers to these services Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 242 Millbury Ave, Millbury www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

 Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com