Published in the September 1, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Emily T. (Heavey) Hanrahan, 91, of Melrose, died peacefully on August 27.
She was born in Sligo, Ireland on June 18, 1926 to Thomas and Maude (O’Neil) Heavey. She was raised in Ireland and attended college in Dublin where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Emily emigrated to the United States in 1954 where she would later meet her husband Thomas J. Hanrahan. They were married in June of 1957. Emily and Thomas moved to Melrose in 1965 and have lived there ever since.
Prior to having children, Emily worked at Harvard University Alumni in the Class Reports office. After raising her three daughters, she went back to work as a supervisor for American Mutual in Wakefield.
Emily enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting in her spare time. She also volunteered for the St. Mary’s School PTO and was a member of the North Shore Irish Club. Emily never forgot her roots, and made annual summer trips to “the Old Country” Ireland with her family.
The greatest joy of her life was becoming grandmother to her seven grandchildren, who meant the world to her. Emily took pleasure in hosting the entire family on Christmas Day. The family’s greatest memories will be watching her beam with pride as the grandchildren opened the many gifts she carefully hand-selected for each child.
Emily was the beloved wife of Thomas J. Hanrahan of Melrose. She was the loving mother of Brenda T. McClure and her husband Scott of Westwood, Sheila M. Higgins and her husband Michael of Peabody, and Sharon A. Cvinar and her husband David of Peabody. She was the proud grandmother of Jessica, Rachael, Daniel, Stephanie, Jodi, Andrea and Eric. She was the caring sister of Mary C. Daly of Quincy, the late Bridget Gunnell and the late Josephine Mullaney.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 1, at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose.
Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
