Loving homemaker was proud of Irish heritage
MELROSE — Mary T. (Culkin) Kiernan, of Melrose, died surrounded by her family on July 30, 2024, at the age of 96. Mary, or “Nana” as she was affectionately known by everyone, was born in Attymass, Ireland on August 29, 1927, to the late Annie and Thomas Culkin. She was raised in Ireland and later emigrated to the United States in 1961 with her husband Hugh, and their first child Michael.
Mary was very proud of her Irish heritage and she and her late husband Hughie instilled the Irish traditions into their children and grandchildren. There was always an Irish ballad on the radio, plenty of friends, laughter and love filling the Tappan Street home. She was a member of the North Shore Irish Association where she loved to dance and was a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary’s church for over 60 years.
As a homemaker she was a warm loving wife, a supportive mother and a compassionate Nana. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she took exceptional care of all of them.
Mary loved life and it showed in her radiant smile, kind ways and adventurous spirit. Mary loved trips to the casino, going on cruises and traveling to Ireland, Australia, Florida, Las Vegas and Cape Cod.
Mary was the daughter of the late Thomas and Annie Culkin. The beloved wife of the late Hugh Kiernan. Loving mother of Michael Kiernan and his wife Anne, Thomas Kiernan, Katherine Feeney and her husband John, John Kiernan and his wife Debra, Gene Kiernan and his wife Karen, and the late Ann Norton and son-in-law Patrick. Proud grandmother of Christopher, Cassandra, Patrick, Sean, Paul, Allison, Ryan, Samantha, Meghan, Colin, Kaitlyn, Caroline, and Jack. Caring sister of Elizabeth McGhee of Australia, and the late Michael, Patrick “Pake”, and Kate of Ireland.
We say goodbye to a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Our solace is knowing she is now reunited with her beloved Husband Hughie and her dear daughter Ann.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment followed the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery, Sylvan Street, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ann Norton annual scholarship through the Melrose Permanent Scholarship fund (mhsfund.org). To leave a message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
