Obituary: Mary Segerson (1924-2024)

Last updated:July 10, 2024

Mary Segerson, 99, of Newport, RI, passed away peacefully, Monday, July 1, 2024 at Village House. Mary was born in Newport to the late John and Mary Segerson on October 23, 1924. She was a lifelong Newport resident and graduate of Rogers High School. Mary joined Metropolitan Life insurance Company after high school and worked her entire career for the company, retiring as office manager. She had many stories about her time at MetLife, the friendships she forged there, the challenges associated with managing salespeople, and keeping the office on track.

Resilient and fiercely independent, Mary lived life on her own terms. She had an amazing sense of humor. Her dry wit would leave you guessing sometimes for days. She did a poor job hiding her kind heart behind a stern facade and was a favorite Aunt to seventeen nieces and nephews and countless grand nieces and nephews. Mary dedicated many years caring for her “firecracker” Mom, all while maintaining a full-time career.

She was an avid tennis player and could often be seen on the local courts playing singles or doubles with close friends and family. An animal lover through and through, Mary extended her warm heart to each of her beloved dogs she adopted over the years. She was well known for spoiling each of them, but none more so than Clyde, her 130-pound American Bulldog, whom she adored. She loved to read, watch the Bruins, Celtics, and Red Sox. However, unlike most New Englanders, Mary could not tolerate the Belichick/Brady partnership and she was never afraid to voice her opinions on the duo.

Mary regularly attended Saint Mary’s and Jesus Savior Churches until she could no longer drive herself. Which left football, baseball, basketball, and tennis to fill her Sundays along with her weekly dinner with Jackie, her niece. Mary loved playing the “slots” and other “games of chance” alongside Jackie at any casino they happened upon, but Newport Grand was their mainstay.

An insatiable reader, Mary was extremely knowledgeable, sharp as a tack, and disarmingly quick witted. She is missed by so many and her light will continue to burn brightly in her many loved ones. Mary was the family matriarch and the last of her generation, preceded in death by her brothers, John, Joseph, Robert (Bobby), Arthur, and Raymond (Buddy). She leaves behind thirteen nieces and nephews, countless grand nieces and nephews, and several great-grand nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Potter League for Animals.

A celebration of life will be announced later for friends and family.

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