Mary M. Kochilaris

DANVERS- Mary M. “Rita” (Paquette) Kochilaris, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Seasons of Danvers, a memory care assisted living community where she resided for the last couple years in the care of an amazing team of loving and compassionate caregivers. A lifelong resident of Danvers, she was the daughter of the late David and Mary (McLeod) Paquette and sister of the late David and Eugene Paquette. She was a graduate of Holten High School class of 1945. After her marriage to her husband Michael Kochilaris, they raised five children together, Michael, SueAnn, Larry, Stephen and John. She was the grandmother of nine and great grandmother of nine as well. During those years, Mary worked in the St. Mary’s School cafeteria and then cooked for the sisters at the St. Mary’s convent. She volunteered as a “cuddler” in the special care nursey at Salem Hospital. Mary was passionate about her spiritual beliefs. In her late seventies she was indoctrinated into the order of the lay Carmelites. She attended both Saint Richard and Saint Mary of the Annunciation churches throughout the years and later the Carmelite Chapel in Peabody. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael and her son John Kochilaris. Mary will be affectionately remembered and sorely missed by her family. Her services are private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mary’s memory to Beacon Hospice Nursing Staff, 290 Merrimack St. # 242, Lawrence, MA, 01843 or the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 15 Mt. Carmel Rd, Danvers, MA, 01923.