Mary was born on March 25th, 1857 in 11 Short St, Newington, London. Mary's father was John Pocknell and her mother was Mary Ann North. Her paternal grandparents were Henry Pocknell and Sarah Holden; her maternal grandparents were William North and Mary Coad. She was the oldest of three children. She had two brothers named John and Henry. She died, at the age of 42 years, 10 months and 26 days, on February 20th, 1900 in 36 Law St, Southwark.