Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s mother, Mary, died Thursday in New London, New Hampshire at the
age of 88.
The Boston Herald reports Mary graduated from Sargent College at Boston University and earned a master’s degree in physical education at Springfield College.
She taught in the Manchester, N.H., public schools before moving to Hopedale as head of the physical education department. There, she helped shape the lives of hundreds of students for more than 25 years. She also coached varsity and junior varsity sports.
After her husband died, Mrs. Perry retired to spend time with her family and travel.
She sold the family home on Lake Sunapee and moved to Sedona, Ariz., where she started an aerobics program that became popular.
After many years in Arizona, Mrs. Perry moved to New London and began teaching another aerobics program while in her seventies. She was committed to making exercise fun and enjoyable for everyone.
In her son’s words, “In many ways, she was ahead of her time as far as her way of thinking and living, whether it be exploring books on quantum physics or women’s rights.”
Wife of the late Anthony, Mrs. Perry is survived by her son, Joe of Duxbury; a daughter, Anne of New London, N.H.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at a later date.
Joe and Aerosmith are currently in the middle of a South American tour in support of their latest album, “Music From Another Dimension.”
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