Known for her sense of humor and rapier wit
Published June 2, 2021
LYNNFIELD — Gloria F. Hennessey, nee Hathaway, 79, a nearly 60-year resident of Lynnfield passed away quietly at her home on May 19, 2021.
Born in Lynn, she was the daughter of Worton B. and Eileen F. Hathaway and was Worton M. Hathaway’s sister. Gloria graduated from St. Mary’s High School, where she met the love of her life, James J. Hennessey. The couple married in 1965 and resided in Lynnfield following their honeymoon. They never left the community they made their home.
Gloria was a vibrant and enigmatic woman with an extraordinary sense of humor and a rapier wit. She was a successful business woman, an avid gardener and took great pleasure watching and listening for the birds outside her window. She led by example and to her last breath demonstrated what it was to love with your whole heart. She was an advocate of the underdog and always encouraged those around her to broaden their horizons, think before speaking and engage any endeavor with passion. She will be sincerely missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren: Krista L. Hennessey and her husband, Timothy Miller, of California; Marcia M. Hennessey of Lynnfield; and James J. Hennessey II and his wife, Erin, of North Carolina, and her grandchildren Emma K. Hennessey and James J. Hennessey III, also of North Carolina.
Services are not immediately being held and will be conducted at a later date this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gloria’s name to her favorite charities: MSPCA-Angell Animal Welfare or Wounded Warrior Project.
To Leave an online message of condolence, visit www.mcdonaldfs.com. The McDonald Funeral Home in Wakefield is handling the arrangements.
