Published in the April 15, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Margaret Theresa (”Terry”) Clancy, 90, of Wakefield passed away very peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 with her family by her side.
Born in Tewksbury on August 16, 1928, she was the daughter of Michael J. Cashman and Sarah M. McGuigan, both of Danvers. Through Catholic Charities she became the foster child of George and Cecilia Hartwell of Beverly and resided with them until her marriage in January of 1950.
After graduating from Beverly High School in 1946 Terry was employed at the United Shoe Machinery Corp. in Beverly. At the wedding of her foster cousin, Ernest Weinburg, she met a brother of Patricia Clancy, his bride. That brother, Joseph F. Clancy, (deceased) became her husband. Joe was part of a large, boisterous and fun family. Even better for Terry, he and his siblings had also been foster children. Joe was not only the love of her life; her long held desire to be part of a family, to belong, was fulfilled. She loved being a Clancy.
Self-reliant, resilient and resourceful, Terry believed in contributing financially to the wellbeing of her household, traits that served her well. She was employed by Transitron Corp. working the night shift to be available to care for her young children during the day. Once her children were in school, she began working in the school system starting out in the cafeteria of the Wakefield Junior High School and transitioning to a secretarial position at Wakefield Memorial High School. She was promoted to, and ultimately retired from, her favorite position as Dept. Head Secretary, in August, 1993.
Terry is survived by son Dennis Clancy and his wife, Patricia, of Wakefield, son Kevin Clancy of Wakefield, and daughter Joanne Clancy of Newmarket, N.H. She is also survived by five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Terry was a true homemaker, tending her gardens, cooking for her family, knitting, sewing, decorating and refinishing furniture. She loved her neighbors and greatly enjoyed the many parties and cookouts that were an integral part of her life in Greenwood especially hosting the annual Fourth of July celebration. She was a lover of animals, of nature, and an avid bird watcher.
During her last six months Terry was lovingly tended to by the staff at the Woburn Nursing Center and Beacon Hospice. We are grateful for their boundless compassion, the many kindnesses they dispensed and their expertise in navigating a complex and challenging process.
Her funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Wednesday at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.
