Mary Heines

Mary Lois (Gardner) Heines passed away peacefully at age 90 on January 3, 2026 in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Born on December 7, 1935 in Melrose, Massachusetts, Mary was the daughter of Frederick Gardner and Cynthia (Thresher) Gardner. She grew up with a strong sense of purpose and a passion for learning that would guide her throughout her life.

Mary graduated from Classical High School in 1953 and went on to earn her degree in elementary education from Rhode Island College in 1957. During her time at Rhode Island College she was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education-an early recognition of her dedication to teaching and academic excellence. She then earned a Master's Degree in Education from UCONN.

Mary's teaching career began in Barrington. She then became the first reading consultant in the Westerly School system, but the following year she went back to teaching, Bradford School, because she missed the classroom. Mary took a leave of absence from Bradford School to embark on a remarkable journey that took her overseas to teach at a U.S. military base in Morocco for a year (1963-1964), then returned to Bradford. When her children were born, she took a couple of years off before accepting a first grade teaching job at Charlestown Elementary where she remained until her retirement in 1997.

Known Throughout her career as "Mrs. Pickles," Mary became not only a favorite teacher to hundreds of students but also a role model for young educators entering the profession. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom walls as she inspired generations with her compassion, patience and unwavering dedication.

Mary was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Heines Jr., with whom she shared 59½ years of love and partnership; her son, Richard F. Heines, and his wife, Karen; her daughter, Bethany S. Escolas, and her husband, Matthew; her grandchildren, Cady Ring, Sara (Heines) Holland and her husband, Michael, and Ryan Heines and his wife, Carli; her brothers, Roger Gardner and Ralph Gardner and his wife, Donna; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Gardner; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Outside of her professional life, Mary found joy in many pursuits. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed participating in book clubs where she could share her love of reading with others. Her green thumb brought beauty to every garden she tended and she generously gave her time volunteering at a daycare center, continuing to nurture young lives even after retirement.

A woman of faith, Mary was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Charlestown. Her spiritual community was an important part of her life and provided comfort and fellowship throughout the years.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Cynthia (Thresher) Gardner and by her brother Eugene Gardner.

Her legacy lives on through the countless students whose lives she touched, the teachers she mentored and the enduring love of her family. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Charlestown, 5073 Old Post Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary's memory to Rhode Island College, supporting future educators.