Published January 4, 2019
MELROSE — Mary Frances (Gill) Mullaney, 86, entered eternal rest on December 20, 2018. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Bertram Mullaney for 57 years. Loving mother of Maura L. Mullaney and her wife Terry of Raleigh, N..C, Michael B. Mullaney and his wife Tran of Melrose, and Edward G. Mullaney of Mansfield. Cherished grandmother of Olivia, Catherine, Matthew and Angelina. Caring sister of Edward A. Gill and his wife Claudette of Nashua, N.H. and the late Ellen L. Gill-Stinebeck and her husband David. Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary was born in Boston, and raised in Jamaica Plain and Somerville. In 1951 she graduated The Boston Latin School, where she was Class President. She was a 1955 graduate of Boston State Teachers College, where she also earned a master’s degree. After graduating, Mary was a teacher in Cambridge before stepping away to raise her children. The family spent time in Hyde Park before settling in Stoughton where she returned to teaching in 1978. She was instrumental in implementing the Title One program at Stoughton Middle School, and helped countless kids reach their potential.
Mary was a devote Catholic and an active member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Stoughton where she was also a member of the choir. She was a vital part of the Stoughton community, active in a variety of outreach and support programs which became one of the true passions of her life. She was an avid traveler, visiting places like Ireland, England, France, Canada, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and much of the United States including many of the U.S. National Parks. She also loved her visits to Cape Cod, particularly time spent at the beach or attending Cape League Baseball games with her grandchildren. Sports was always a vital part of her life, and she was a passionate fan of all the Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox. She loved the way sports brought her family together.
Among Mary’s greatest gifts were the deep, lifelong friendships she made wherever she went. Mary was an incredibly supportive friend, someone everyone could count on and who always made time for those in need. She was always willing to try something new, from disco dancing to water aerobics. She was a truly kind soul with a witty sense of humor who loved a good laugh. The later years of her life were spent in the warm care of the staff at Oosterman’s Rest Home in Melrose. Mary will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Visitation was held on Thursday December 27 at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose. A Mass of Christian burial was on Friday December 28 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield. Following the Mass, the family held a gathering at the church hall before departing for a committal service at Knollwood Cemetery in Sharon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Catholic Charities of Boston, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com
