Mary F. Dambach

Mary Frances Slattery Dambach, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on November 26th, 2025, five days shy of her 96th birthday, surrounded by the love of her family. 

A proud Irishwoman with a resilient spirit and a heart made for caring, Mary lived a life defined by devotion - to her faith, her family, and her calling as a nurse. 

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Mary graduated from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1950, beginning a long and deeply meaningful career in nursing. 

Her love for nursing became a part of her family’s identity as well. With pride, she watched three of her daughters and four of her granddaughters follow in her footsteps into the nursing profession, extending her legacy of service and kindness into the next generations. 

Alongside her husband and the love of her life, Robert Anthony Dambach, Mary built a remarkable family over their 43 years of marriage. Surpassing their goal of a “baker’s dozen,” they had 16 children- 8 boys and 8 girls, raised on a warm and lively cul-de-sac in Cleveland, filled with other large families. Mary loved nothing more in the world than to hold an infant in her arms.Those twenty-four years were a time of joy, camaraderie, and an “ideal upbringing,” as Mary often described it. In 1976, with characteristic courage and optimism, Mary and Bob moved their growing family to Bedford, New Hampshire, bringing with them the same energy, laughter, and closeness that defined their home. Mary had a remarkable gift - she had a way of making each person feel like they were the most important in the world through her reassuring touch, warm conversation, or simply her attentive presence.Her love extended beyond her family, and she shared a special bond with her dogs, whose companionship and loyalty brought her great joy throughout the years.

Her thoughtfulness also shined through in her small but meaningful traditions. Mary never missed a birthday, faithfully sending cards to all of her sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, former in-laws and friends. Those cards, always timely and filled with love, became cherished reminders of her constant care and connection.

 Mary is survived by her children: Mary Patricia Coreno, Ann Bouterse, Judy Pik, Margaret Koelliker, William Dambach, Timothy Dambach, Bonnie O’Neill, David Dambach, Joan Potter, Michael Dambach, Nancy Barnes, James Dambach, and Colleen Nalette. She is also survived by 37 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. 

She is reunited in eternal rest with her husband, Robert; her sons, Robert, John (Jack), and Joseph; and her grandson, Luke, whose memories remained forever cherished by her.

Mary will be dearly remembered for her gentle wisdom, her boundless love, and the family she raised with such care. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 am on Saturday, December 6, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Bedford, New Hampshire. A private burial will follow.