Published February 8, 2019
MELROSE — Frances V. (Collins) Rahilly, 88, of Melrose, died peacefully on February 2, 2019.
Fran was born in Jersey City, N.J. to Frank and Catherine (Mahoney) Collins. She was raised in Jersey City and graduated from St. Vincent’s High School in New Jersey.
Fran worked as a Crossing Guard for the City of Melrose on Foster St., Warwick Rd., and Cedar Crossing. She retired in 1980.
Fran was very involved in different organizations in Melrose. She was a 38 year member and past president of the Ladies Auxillary at the Harold O. Young VFW Post. She was also a charter member and past commander of the DAV Auxillary, a member of the Melrose Elks, and a member of the Altar Society.
In addition to all of her work around Melrose, Fran enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and going on cruises.
Frances was the beloved wife of the late James F. Rahilly. Loving mother of Frances Malenchini of Cambridge, James F. Rahilly, Jr. of Billerica, John “Jack” Rahilly of Lynn, Richard K. Rahilly of Fla., and Judie A. Fairneny of Melrose. Grandmother of Paul Jr., Scott, Robert, Sean, Alissa, Sheila, Danielle, Elizabeth, Richard Jr., Michelle, and the late Neil Fairneny Jr. Great-grandmother of Joey, Hailey, Julia, Lauren, Joshua, Matthew, Chloe, Emelia, Henry, Angel, Autumn, Lila, and Sophia. Sister of Peggy Ruhle of N.J.
Visiting hours will be held on Thurs., Feb. 7 from 4-8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Thurs., Feb. 8 at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Burial to follow at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To send a message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
