Mother of Harvard resident, kitchen manager, craftswoman
Mary Bakun. (Courtesy photo)
Mary H. (Van Hoof) Bakun, 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017.
Mary was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, to the late Charles and Cornelia (Bogers) Van Hoof. She was raised and educated in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School, Class of 1943. In addition to raising her family, Mary worked as a telephone operator and later at Digital Equipment Corp., before serving as kitchen manager for her brother’s family business, Bob’s Turkey Farm in Lancaster, for many years. She was an active member of the Clinton Hospital Guild and a life member of the NRA. As a talented and artistic craftswoman, she created amazing quilts for each member of her family, and she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, and cake decorating. She remained active in retirement and was always a passionate swimmer. Mary was happiest while in the company of her family.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Joseph E. “Bucky” Bakun Jr., who died in 2015. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Peter E. Bakun and Diane of Belgrade, Montana; David E. Bakun and Paula of Sterling; James E. Bakun and Ruthann of Still River; and John E. Bakun and Ann of Clinton. She leaves her brother, Robert Van Hoof of Ashburnham; seven grandchildren, Cecelia Blenker, Kathryn McKenna, Laura Shane, and Fred, Dennis, Christopher, and Sarah Bakun; five great-grandchildren, Shayna, Derek, Ethan, and Emily Bakun, and Mary McKenna; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Van Hoof.
A celebration of the life of Mary Bakun was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, at Fotini’s Restaurant in Bolton. Memorial contributions in memory of Mary Bakun may be sent to Clinton Hospital Foundation, 201 Highland St., Clinton, MA 01510. Funeral arrangements were made by the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.
