SALEM- Mrs. Mary Louise (McIntire) Stephenson, 76, of Holden, formerly of Salem, beloved wife of the late Terence R. Stephenson, died, Saturday, August 6th, 2016 at the Holden Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Reginald and Kathryn (Ganley) McIntire. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of the former St. James Girls High School. She continued her education at the former Essex Agricultural and Technical School and North Shore Community College where she earned her Registered Nursing degree.

Mary's career began at Salem Hospital where she practiced nursing for many years before bringing her talents to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In the latter part of her career, she continued to care for patients throughout several private physician practices on the North Shore.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Mary was also an avid animal lover and advocate. She volunteered much of her time to the North Shore Animal Hospital in Salem and for many years had both feline and canine companions whom she loved dearly. She also enjoyed square dancing, music, travel, and skiing. But most of all she cherished time spent with her beloved family.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Katharine Gulbrandsen and her husband Phil of Beverly, her son David Stephenson and his wife Mary of Salem, her grandchildren Kristin Charette and her husband Ryan of Dracut, Kelsey Gulbrandsen of Lancaster PA, Tory Gulbrandsen of Beverly, Timothy Stephenson and Emily Stephenson of Salem, and her great granddaughter Kasey of Dracut.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral will be held from the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte. 62) Danvers, on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 9 A.M. followed by her funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours Thursday from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Mary's memory to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com