Obituary of Mary Darling McCann

Mary Darling McCann passed away on July 7, 2023; she was 96 years young.

Born June 11, 1927, in Kingston, NY to Harold and Frances Darling, Mary grew up with three adoring brothers: Harold, William, and Hamilton. The brothers always thought Mary should have a little lamb, and brought one home to her—he was playfully named “Jimmy”.

Mary attended SUNY Cortland graduating in 1948 and began her teaching career in Utica, NY after graduation. Always an avid athlete, Mary participated in and taught or coached numerous sports throughout her life, including tennis, skiing, swimming, skating, canoeing, golfing, field hockey, and track to name a few. She continued to teach and coach in New Orleans, LA, Kingston, NY, and Stamford, CT while raising a family with her beloved husband, Joseph H. McCann Jr. Once she retired, she devoted much of her time as a volunteer at the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital in honor of the marvelous care her husband had received there. Also in her free time, she cheered at her grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, academic achievements, and scouting events.

Mary is survived by her five children: Joseph H. McCann III (Jane), Robin M. Holland (Bryce), Lisa Coale, Karen Keating, and Jamey Murphy. Known as the most amazing grandmother and great-grandmother, and affectionately called “Gigi”, she had 12 grandchildren: Ruth and Henrie McCann; “Trey”, Preston, and Kipling Holland; Karley and Taylor Keating: and Cameron, Haley, Kip, Kendall, and Tim Murphy. Additionally, she had 11 great-grandchildren, and they all brought tremendous joy to her life.

Quintessentially possessing FOMO (fear of missing out), she was an engaging hostess who loved to entertain friends and family, especially for holiday gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. Her joie de vivre was iconic. Family gatherings and outings often involved spontaneous sing-a-longs. While Mary had a lovely singing voice, this was a trait that she, unfortunately, did not pass on to her children.

During Mary’s last two tears, she enjoyed the fun, kind, attentive and loving care at Brightview on New Canaan. The staff and new friends there enriched her life immensely. In her final days the nurses of Constellation Hospice Care were especially dear as well. Her family is forever grateful to them.

Mary will be remembered for her vibrant smile, wonderful sense of humor, twinkling blue eyes, athletic prowess, and most importantly, her deep love for her husband Joe, family, and friends. She will be missed by so many.

There will be a funeral service on July 26, 2023at 3 p.m. at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 21 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT.

Donations can be made to Bennett Cancer Center, Stamford, CT