Obituary of Mary Head

Mary Head, nee Joyce, passed away peacefully in Norwalk, CT on September 23, 2023.  Mary was born on March 5, 1926, in Queens, NY.   Following the death of her father, Patrick, a New York City Police Officer and decorated veteran of WWI, Mary moved to Sterling Place in Brooklyn, NY, with her mother Bridget Theresa Joyce and sister Eileen.  Mary attended St. Augustine’s Elementary School and earned scholarships to Archbishop McDonnell High School and to St. John’s University. She studied English Literature and became a High School English and History Teacher in Brooklyn.  While teaching she earned a master’s degree in education Summa Cum Laude at Columbia University.  After her family had grown, Mary earned a second master’s degree teaching English as a Second Language and taught both immigrant children and adults.

Mary met the love of her life, Daniel Head at a CYO Dance in New York City, they were married in Brooklyn, on August 24, 1957, until Dan’s death in 1986.  Mary and Dan started their family in Riverdale, NY, but soon moved to Norwood, NJ, then Harrington Park, NJ, where they raised their five children.  Mary’s Catholic faith helped her persevere during periods of trials in her life, most significantly following the early death of her husband, Dan.

Mary moved to Spring Lake Heights NJ in 1992, where she lived until 2016.  Mary lived in Fairway Mews, where she met many friends, playing bridge, dining at local restaurants and walking the Spring Lake Board Walk.

Mary moved to BrightView Assisted Living in Norwalk, CT in 2016 to be closer to family.  Mary is pre-deceased by her husband, Daniel, her parents, Patrick and Bridget Joyce, and her sister Eileen Murphy.  Mary is survived by her five children, Patricia Timmerman (John), Moira Cassidy (Thomas), Daniel Head(Karen), Charles Head(Katie) and Eileen Head.  She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Thomas Cassidy, James Cassidy, Brian Cassidy, Christopher Cassidy, Michael Head, Julia Head, Jared Head, Kelly Byrne(Thomas), Caroline Feldman(Matt), Megan Head and Jaden Head.  She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at BrightView, Angelic Elderly Care and Constellation Hospice for the outstanding care and kindness they gave Mary.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Constellation Health Services, 14 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT  06851. 

A funeral Mass and celebration of life will be planned at 11:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church on October 6, 2023.