Born into the Bessborough Mother and Baby home in Co Cork, Mari lived previously in Philadelphia and Virginia before settling in Aurora, Ohio. It is understood that the activist was diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Since the early 1990s, Mari has been involved in adoption and Magdalene Laundries activism in Ireland and the United States.
Co-founding the JFMR and Adoption Rights Alliance (ARA), Mari also served as the coordinator for the Banished Babies group and the Vice President of the US-based Bastard Nation: The Adoptee Rights Organisation.
Previously, Mari served as US Coordinator for AdoptionIreland: The Adopted People’s Association until the organisation’s disbandment in 2007.
For over 30 years, it is understood that she worked to help reunite the families who were separated by institutional care and secret adoption systems during the 1900s.
The Magdalene Laundries, run by roman catholic orders, operated from the 18th century until the last one closed in 1996, housing women who had fallen pregnant out of wedlock, with their newborns often being taken from them and adopted by families from both Ireland and America.
Mari, known to have strong roots in Tipperary and Wexford, is survived by her three children, Kerry, Jessica, and Alex, her seven grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends in America and Ireland.
A statement from fellow Magdalene Laundry activists posted on the 64-year-old’s Rip.ie death notice reads: ‘To those of us privileged to work alongside Mari for many decades, we will remember her as a fiercely committed advocate, a strategically minded activist, a deeply courageous leader, and a loyal, fun-loving, and selfless friend.
‘Words cannot adequately convey how much we will miss her and how much we owe to her. There will never be the likes of her again.’
Hundreds of lengthy tributes have been poured in for the selfless activist, with many commending her strength, kindness, and sense of justice as she fought for the fundamental rights of those who had been forcibly moved into Magdalene Laundries.
‘She touched my life when she assisted me, and for that, I owe her,’ began one. ‘I was lucky enough to have had Mari take the time to answer my queries and occasionally help me over the years when I needed to reach out for her expertise. She was an oracle in adoption-related issues, and her willingness to share her knowledge helped so many who were failed again in adulthood by the Church and State. When so many doors were closed to us, Mari graciously opened hers.
‘Thank you for your advocacy, integrity, and legacy, Mari, for your hands-on help, for your direct dedicated service to us, for prioritising us, for representing us, and for your fellow bastards and crib mates. Your community.’
Another wrote: ‘An absolute legend, she contributed greatly to enhancing the lives of so many people who had been wronged by unjust and archaic practices and policies in Ireland, the UK, and the US by challenging those oppressive systems.
‘Mari will be greatly missed by so many people, and I trust that this fact may bring some solace to family and close friends.’
Another, who explained that Mari had the courage to inspire hundreds of women to speak up, described her as a woman who was ‘never giving up’ on those who needed her help and ‘never silent when it mattered’.
‘Her legacy will endure long after those who hold power are gone. An immense loss, Mari’s activism a guiding light that will not fade,’ they said.
Mari’s family will hold a special event to honour her life on November 9 from 2 to 6 pm at The Irish Center in Philadelphia.
The event will be streamed online, and details will be available in due course.
A GoFundMe appeal was also launched to raise funds to bring Mari and her mother Josie’s ashes back to Ireland. In just under 48 hours, just under $25,000 (€23,000) has been raised for the activist.