Published in the November 11, 2016 edition
MEDFORD — Elaine M. (Murphy) Haley, 81, a longtime resident of Medford, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
One of the six Murphy girls, Elaine was born in Brighton on Oct. 15, 1935 to Helen M. (Manning) and John J. Murphy. She was raised in Melrose with her sisters, and graduated from St. Mary Grammar and High School. On Nov. 11, 1960, Elaine and George F. Haley were married at St. Mary Church in Melrose and settled in Medford to raise a family of two.
She was a loving, supportive wife to George, a Medford Police patrolman, who passed away on July 4, 2007. Elaine loved her work for 28 years as a loan officer for the Telephone Workers Credit Union.
Elaine centered her life around her family, friends and her faith. She was a devoted, faithful parishioner of St. Mary in Melrose and St. Francis of Assisi in Medford, where she was a member of the Mother’s Club and Our Lady Sodality. She was also a member of the Medford Senior Citizens. In her free time, Elaine enjoyed time in Newport, R.I. or visiting family on Cape Cod. She also had a love for dogs and always offered to dog sit if anyone ever needed.
Most of all, Elaine enjoyed her family and friends. She loved keeping up with everyone, either on the phone and climbing into her beloved 2001 Grand Marquis and very slowly making her way over. She loved being around her big Irish family for dinners or parties. She could talk for hours and did her best to keep in contact with the most important people in her life. Every year, each birthday for the Murphy girls was celebrated together with all the sisters. She was always involved with her grandsons and helped set an example as a supportive, faith-filled grandmother. Elaine will be lovingly remembered as a vibrant, loving woman who leaves many wonderful memories in the hearts of her family and friends.
Elaine was the beloved wife of the late George F. Haley, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Eleanor Haley Ciulla and her husband Anthony of Stoneham and John J. Haley and his companion Janis McGonagle of Medford. She was the dear sister of Helen M. Sullivan and her late husband, Thomas, of Saugus; Claire M. Enos and her husband James of Andover; Marie M. Jensen and her husband Richard of Andover; Mary Rita O’Shea and her husband Daniel of Melrose and Donna M. Shay and her husband James of Andover. She was the cherished grandmother of Matthew and Brian Ciulla. She was the caring sister-in-law of Regina R. Hart of Medford, Lorette Tiernan of Stoneham and Sr. Ruth Haley, SSND (Cathedral of the Holy Cross) of Medford. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Elaine’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Nov. 4, and again on Saturday, Nov. 5 before leaving in procession to St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose for her Funeral Mass. Interment took place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Gifts in memory of Elaine may be made to Bread of Life, 54 Eastern Ave., Malden MA 02148 or to Sisters of the Holy Child of Jesus, 1341 Montgomery Ave., Rosemont PA 19010. For online tribute or directions, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
