Mary Angelina (Conti) Wardley, 66, of Bedford, Massachusetts passed away peacefully after a courageous eight-year battle with breast cancer.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Armando and Susan (Hoban) Conti. Mary spent her early years in Winchester, Massachusetts before moving to Loudon and Concord, New Hampshire. She attended Bishop Brady High School, graduating in 1978. She continued her education at Clark University in Worcester and earned her Bachelor's degree in Business and Computer Science from Northeastern University.

Mary began her professional career at Yankee Bank before dedicating 38 years in Framingham and Needham at IDC-International Data Corporation, the leading market research firm advising technology companies. She acquired deep expertise in multiple sectors in the software industry and was continuously promoted, rising from trainee to Vice President of Contact Center and Customer Care. Mary's market growth forecasts were considered the gold standard by her clients and were used to justify the billion-dollar investment decisions that made the future come to life. She asked challenging and meaningful questions that led to a profound understanding of complex topics. Her ability to cut through noise and deliver actionable insights made her a standout in the field. Greatly respected for her foresight and expertise in the industry, she was utterly unafraid to tell a billionaire CEO exactly why his company would be surpassed by competitors because she'd done the research to prove her argument. Mary mentored and inspired two generations of IDC analysts and was deeply loved by colleagues for her intelligence, leadership, and warmth.

Mary lived a vibrant and active life filled with many passions and pursuits. She was a voracious reader and a talented knitter, participating in many knitting groups. She also enjoyed sewing and upholstering. Mary was a wonderful cook and passionate baker, always bringing joy to others through her creations. In her 30's, she took up playing the piano and was especially proud of the beautiful music she made on her cherished Steinway Studio Grand.

An accomplished athlete, Mary was an avid road cyclist who completed century rides and proudly participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge. She was also an in-line speed skater, having completed a grueling 88-mile ultra-marathon from Athens to Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, John. Devoted ice skaters, Mary and John cherished the moments they shared, skating under the night sky in Lake Placid. His biggest cheerleader, Mary would cycle the winding 40 miles from their Bedford home to Cape Ann to meet John after he competed in sailing regattas and they would gather with friends to celebrate their mutual triumphs. She especially loved to travel with John and her sons, Zach and Luke.  They visited Italy several times and enjoyed exploring the small towns, meandering roads, and the countryside; while also connecting with her Italian roots, often visiting family in Abruzzi.  Mary treasured her time with friends and family including many cousins and their families.  She had a keen interest in genealogy and researched her Yankee background in Francestown, New Hampshire. Mary was an avid swimmer and the beach was her happy place, where she found peace and contentment whether it was in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard or Italy.  The family loved their time together boating at the lake in New Hampshire and in Salem Harbor.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, curiosity, generosity, and love of life. Above all, she will be deeply missed as a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, John D. Wardley; her two sons, Luke and Zachary Wardley; her siblings, Anthony Conti and his wife Debra of North Andover, Anne Marie Clausen and her husband Aaron of Newburyport; her brother-in-law, Frank "T" Wardley and his wife Cathleen of Ipswich; her sister-in-law, Jolanta Conti of Hollis, New Hampshire; her nieces and nephews, Michael Conti and his wife Caitlin, Lauren Conti, Christina Conti, Sydney Jo Clausen, Mia and Armando Conti, Elizabeth Wardley, Maddie Correa and her husband Kevin; and her great nieces and nephews, Oliver and Reilly Conti, and Beni and Inez Correa.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Armando "AJ" Conti, Jr. and Joseph Gerard Conti.

The family wants to especially thank Dr. Lowell E. Schnipper, MD at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. During the last eight years Dr. Schnipper actively cared for Mary's health and took a personal interest working hard to maintain her quality of life so that she could remain active, continue her career, and be fully present to her family.

Lastly, the medical team of nurses, aids, therapists and doctors on Stoneman 7 at Beth Israel provided outstanding care, comfort and beautiful kindness for Mary's last week.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, April 7, from 4:00-7:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Parish in Bedford, 75 Great Rd., Bedford, on Wednesday, April 8, at 1:00 PM. There will be a reception at the church immediately following the service. Please indicate attendance to Celebration and Meal for headcount purposes. https://forms.gle/KNKLdn2zEz2UuQrM9

Please email tony@afconti.com for a livestream link.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be announced and held in the coming months on or before Mary's birthday in October.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dr. Lowell Schnipper to support his work for cancer treatment and prevention serving the rural poor in Zimbabwe – https://betterhealthcareforafrica.org/the-ongoing-work-of-dr-lowell-schnipper-in-zimbabwe/ or Dana Farber Cancer Institute – https://www.dana-farber.org/