Obituary of Mary E. Hatfield

Mary E. (Andreason) Hatfield, 94, of Salem, New Hampshire, passed peacefully on July 15 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion to her family.

Born in Woburn, MA on February 1st, 1932, she was one of six children of the late Albert and Mary “May” Andreason, and a proud graduate of Woburn High School, class of 1949.

In the late 1940s, Mary met the love of her life, Robert Willis Hatfield. They soon married and built a wonderful life together, raising their three children in Burlington, MA. Their marriage was built on love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to one another, an enduring example to their family.

In the 1960s, Mary taught Sunday school at the United Church of Christ in Burlington. In later years, she was active in the United Church of Christ in Laconia, always finding ways to help. She treasured the lifelong friendships formed through her weekly book club, which rotated from home to home.

In the 1970s and 1980s, she worked at Arkwright Boston Insurance Company in Waltham, but her true professional spark was as an independent businesswoman. As an entrepreneur, she built and managed an impressive portfolio of rental properties. Alongside her husband, she co-founded the R. W. Hatfield Company of Haverhill, MA, showcasing her strong work ethic and sharp mind.

Mary also had a playful, competitive spirit. She was an exceptional Scrabble player and, for decades, was rarely without her iPad, playing Words With Friends. She kept nearly 60 games going at a time right up until her passing and won far more than her share.

Above all, Mary took immense pride in watching her family grow across five generations.  She is survived by her sons, Robert Hatfield Jr. and his wife Grace of Laconia, and Mark Hatfield and his wife Kathaleen of Salem, NH.

She was predeceased by her daughter Linda (Hatfield) Gallivan, and her siblings Albert, Robert “Eddie,” Paul, Norma, and Janet.

Her grandchildren are Joseph “Jodi” Branco and his partner Joshua; Kim Branco and his wife Jessica; Nicole LeBlanc and her husband Ryan; Robert Russell; Jocelyn Young; Jamie Paul and her husband Caleb; Jenna Hatfield; Robert Hatfield III; Mark Hatfield Jr.; Meaghan Whittemore and her husband Jared; and Ryan Hatfield and his wife Kristin.

She was the proud great-grandmother of many great-grandchildren and especially proud of her great-great-grandchild, Desmond Branco. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Visiting hours will be at the Arthur P. Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Monday, July 20 from 4:00-7:00 pm.  A funeral service will be held at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 6 Lexington St., Burlington, MA on Tuesday, July 21 at 10:00 am, followed by interment at the Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063 (worldvision.org/donate)