Mary Edith Gilligan, 56, of Bryans Road, Maryland, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 26th, 2021.

Mary was full of life and brought joy to everyone around her. She was born May 20, 1965 in Washington, DC the daughter of Patricia and Stephen Gilligan. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh could light up a room.

Mary was the most loving and compassionate person. Her family and pets were her life. She enjoyed many summers swimming in the pool. Mary loved to dance, at weddings you would see her on the dance floor for most of the evening. She also enjoyed watching her shows, reading books, or playing with her dolls. Mary was happiest surrounded by family celebrating momentous occasions, especially birthdays. Your birthday was never official until Mary sang to you, even with many miles in between she celebrated with her family.

Mary was an amazing big "sissy" to her four younger siblings. She would play with them for hours and always gave the best hugs. She enjoyed her special relationship with her cousin Laurie and loved their sleepovers. She doted on her nieces and nephew, spending time with them having tea parties, coloring, and singing songs, especially "Rock a Bye Baby."

Mary was an adventurous thrill seeker. She loved riding roller coasters with her father, brothers, and sister. She spent many fun-filled days at Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, and Disney World opening and closing the parks, riding the coasters, and gleefully giggling as everyone was soaked to the skin on the water rides.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Kevin Gilligan; grandparents, Eada and Francis McCabe; aunts and uncle, Cathy Zambrycki, Jeanne Bond, and Whitey Gilligan. Mary is survived by her loving parents, Patricia and Stephen Gilligan; Brothers Travis Gilligan (Debi), Stephen Gilligan; Sister, Molly Wilson (Zach); Nieces and nephew, Adrienne Gilligan (Jason), Kaela Gilligan, Michael Gilligan (Haylee), Brooklyn Wilson, and Moira Wilson; countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who were family.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends on Monday June 7, 2021 from 8:30am until Mass time at 10am at the Sacred Heart Church (201 St. Mary's Ave. LaPlata, MD 20646). Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at arehartechols.com