Mary L. "Rhea" (Halligan) Chesbrough, 87, of Leominster, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. Born in Leominster on January 20, 1939, she was the daughter of Edward Halligan and Irene (Lamoureaux) Halligan.

Mary grew up in the community she would always call home and carried with her throughout her life the values of hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength. She attended Leominster High School and was proud of her roots in the city where she was born and raised. Mary dedicated many years of her working life to Foster Grant, where she was known as a dependable and conscientious employee.

Family was the center of Mary’s life. She is survived by her son, James Chesbrough, and his fiancée, Sharon Richard; her daughter, Jane Buswell; many grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She took great pride in her family and cherished the time she spent with them.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, Richard Chesbrough; her sons, Randy Chesbrough, Timothy Chesbrough, Richard Chesbrough, and Larry Chesbrough; her sisters, Marcia Hallinen and Beverly Stacy; and her grandson Jakob Chesbrough.

She carried these losses with quiet resilience, and those who knew her understood the depth of love she held for her family, both past and present. Mary will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful woman whose warmth touched the lives of many. She lived a life rooted in family and strengthened by the bonds she formed over the years. Though she is no longer with them, the legacy of her kindness and the memories they shared will continue to be treasured.

A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, June 3 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the funeral home with a graveside service in St. Leo Cemetery to follow.

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