Mary ‘Maizie’ Catherine Mullen born August 21, 1937 in Cambridge, MA, passed into the loving arms of Christ on May 2, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s and Dementia, diseases she fought proudly and with a positive outlook for over a decade.
Maizie leaves behind her sister, Patricia Machado and two brothers, Edward and Frank along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who have stood by her side.
As a young woman, Maizie worked for the Loyal Insurance Company and transferred to Colorado before returning to her beloved mother Mae and family in Somerville. Her love of travel and family was only rivaled by her love of sport. Maizie was an incredible athlete, winning titles and trophies in bowling and softball. She even did a stint from 1975-77 with the Boston Park League women’s flag football placing 3rd at the 1977 National Tournament in St. Louis.
Maizie was a self-taught pitcher who began her career in softball in the 1960’s. For 18 plus years Maizie managed, coached and played for the Waltham Drifters softball team. Under her leadership and sponsored in the early years by Manero’s Caterers and The Chateau Restaurant, Maizie’s Drifters amassed over 40 victories per season, five regional championships, and a 5th place finish at Nationals in 1972. Maizie’s Drifters played throughout the Greater Boston area, the Atlantic coast and traveled to National tournaments in Texas, Arizona and Utah plus toured through Canada and Bermuda.
She was active in local charity events and pitched a memorable match in June 1973 against a celebrity team which included the Carpenters bandmembers Karen and Richard in Cranston, Rhode Island. Her friends recalled, ‘Richard did not want to come up to bat with Maizie at the mound; telling her that his hands were insured for $1 million.’ Her fast pitch was known to be 50-60 mph. Maizie retired from softball in 1985; but continued to stay active in All-Star events through 1997.
After retirement from Purity Supreme, Maizie found joy traveling to her family’s home in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland; enjoyed Irish music and delighted in her many grandnieces and nephews who love their Auntie—a true pioneer for women and kind spirit who will not be forgotten.
Following a mass of Christian burial at St. John’s in Cambridge on May 7th, 2018, interment will be at North Cambridge Catholic Cemetery. Calling hours at Keefe’s Funeral Home, 2175 mass Ave, NORTH CAMBRIDE, on Sunday, May 6th from 3:00-6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Waltham, MA.
“To live will be an awfully big adventure.”
― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan