Jacqueline F. Mara

Dr. Jacqueline F. Mara, noted educator, died on February 25, 2015, after an extended illness. She was born in Manchester on October 23, 1927, the daughter of Francis J. Mara and Isabelle Oliver Mara, and resided in the city for her entire life.

Dr. Mara received Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Mount Saint Mary College, Hooksett, and a Doctor of Education degree from Boston University. She worked at Mount Saint Mary College as Assistant Professor of Business and Economics, Registrar, Director of Financial Aid, Director of Admissions, Director of Placement and Academic Dean during a career there from 1950 to 1974 when the college closed.

At New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University), which she joined after the closure of Mount Saint Mary College, where she worked from 1974 until her retirement, Dr. Mara chaired the Department of Business Education, and served as Associate Academic Dean and Director of the Graduate Program, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Graduate School of business and, at her retirement in 1998, was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree. She served on many state commissions and accreditation teams evaluating other institutions of higher education.

In the community, Dr. Mara was an active parishioner at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, was a corporator of Numerica Bank, member of the advisory board of BankEast, the board of New Hampshire Catholic Charities, and member and Chair of the Board at Catholic Medical Center. She was the first woman to serve on the board of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and served on the board of New Hampshire College after her retirement.

Dr. Mara was an only child who lived in her home on Mammoth Road in Manchester with her mother, aunt and uncle until they died. She is survived by several cousins and by her adopted family, Rich and Lisa Lafond and their son James, who moved into the other apartment in her home after her relatives passed away, and who brought much joy and companionship into her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, 575 Candia Road, Manchester. Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Jacqueline F. Mara Scholarship at Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 River Road, Manchester, or to New Hampshire Catholic Charities.