Lynn - Mary T. Sabulao, beloved Auntie and dear friend, passed away peacefully on March 12th. in Lynn. She was just a month shy of her 87th birthday. Known for her quick wit, her story-telling ability, and her feisty yet gracious manner, Mary will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Born April 11, 1938, in Eastern Samar, Philippines during the Japanese occupation, Mary was one of 6 children born to Conrado Sabulao and Anastacia Tanqui-on. At age 17, Mary went to work for Helen Filmore, a nurse-administrator at the W.H.O. in Manila. Over the years, Helen became like a second mother to Mary, so much so, that when Helen retired back in the States, Mary accompanied her and became a naturalized citizen of the U.S.A. They lived in Nahant, Revere, Lynn and Salem, and after Helen died, Mary made her home in Lynn.

Mary loved animals; she and Helen had several dachshunds together. Mary's most recent animal-companion was a reclusive cat named Monkey. As a young adult, Mary became a dog-groomer; she opened her own shop on Broadway in Revere, which she ran for many years.

Mary was very creative. She liked to draw, color, knit and crochet. She could cook almost anything, but her spring rolls and 17-layer chocolate-mousse cake were particularly divine.

Mary was a woman of great faith; she was a member of St. Mary's in Lynn for many years.

No one appreciated the beauty of a sunrise more than Mary.

Mary was pre-deceased by her parents, her second mother and by her partner, Richard Louf. She leaves behind many friends and relatives here and in the Philippines, including her beloved niece, Lilia Pagayanan of the Philippines, her cousin Tess Belm of Chicago, her honorary "little sister" Marti Lunden of Peabody, and her honorary nieces, Lori Butts of Saugus and Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt of Beverly.

Her funeral service will be at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, March 24th at 11am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A visiting hour will be held prior to the service from 10am to 11am. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary's memory to either the MSPCA at Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970 or St. Mary Church, 8 South Common Street, Lynn, MA 01902. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com