Mary Winifred (McParland) Ehlers

Mary Winifred Ehlers (nee McParland)-adored mother, nana, sister and friend-passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, at the age of 61. Born on July 30, 1963, in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Mary lived an effervescent life, sharing her zeal for living with everyone she met. This passion manifested itself most clearly in her work as a hairdresser, first at Hair Crafters, then at Untangled, where her innate talent to entertain led many of her clients to become lifelong friends. Her greatest performances were arguably at Untangled, the salon she opened in 2004 in Essex, on whose stage she was always the center of attention. She would often pause briefly in the midst of an updo or applying color to deliver the punchline of a joke, anticipating the smile it would bring.

Outside of work, her curiosity and charisma facilitated her remarkable capacity for making new acquaintances wherever she went. She never hesitated to strike up a conversation while working out at the gym, standing in the checkout line at a store, or walking at Crane Beach. For her, there was never a dull moment, and every person had a story worth hearing.

Mary was also a woman of strong convictions that permeated every aspect of her life, leading her to engage in acts of generosity and selflessness toward others, particularly those closest to her. She was the sister and friend whom you could call in times of need, a mother who fiercely protected her children, and a nana who lovingly cared for her grandchildren. As for the latter, by all accounts, her role as a nana was one of her greatest pleasures. She shared her zest for life with her grandchildren, bringing a sense of spontaneity and playfulness into their lives.

Mary was a light to all those fortunate enough to know her. She taught us to seize the opportunities before us, act with generosity and care toward others, be engaged in the pursuit of bettering ourselves, savor the things we enjoy, and to  never stop singing. She hoped to be remembered for inspiring others to live boldly, abundantly, and courageously, just as she did each day. 

 Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Erica and Scott DeWitt of Essex, MA; Travers Doane and YiChieh Chen of New Castle, NH; and Easton and Shawn Ehlers Cheang of San Francisco, CA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Harper and Lily DeWitt of Essex, MA, and Trent Doane of New Castle, NH, as well as her siblings and their families, all of Ipswich, MA: James McParland; Daniel and Lisa McParland; and Peter and Deborah McParland.

Mary is predeceased by her mother, Winifred McParland; her father, John McParland; her brothers, Paul and John McParland; and her sister, Veronica (Bonnie) McParland-Parisien.

We invite those who wish to commemorate Mary to a wake that will be held on Friday, March 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Morris Funeral Home at 45 North Main Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. Service and burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, we humbly request that contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her honor, the Alzheimer’s Association of MA and NH  320 Nevada Street  Suite 201  Newton, MA  02460.  To send a letter of condolence to Mary’s family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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