Published in the May 6, 2016 edition

Redo-Brophy-obit-webMELROSE — Rene M. (Durso) Brophy of Melrose died April 27.

Rene was born in Malden on Jan. 27, 1923 to Peter A. and Elsie (Paladino) Durso. She was raised in Malden and graduated from Malden High School in 1942.

Rene was a Melrose resident for 23 years and was a parishioner at Incarnation Church where she served as an Eucharistic Minister. She also volunteered for the Red Cross in Melrose for 17 years and was a member of the Catholic Daughters in Malden for 25 years.

Rene spent much of her free time volunteering; she would help administer flu shots at Memorial Hall in Melrose and spent time volunteering at the Lynn Hospital. She also worked as a secretary for the Navy Services at the Charlestown Navy Yard for many years during and after World War II.

Her kindness and generosity were endless, always sharing her baking with others, as well as knitting for needy children. Rene would always make time to help anyone in need. She embraced the gift of life enthusiastically and will remain in her family’s hearts always.

Rene was the beloved wife of the late James C. Brophy. She was the loving mother of Paul J. Brophy of Salem and Susan J. Voigt of Lynn. She was the cherished grandmother of Tina Brophy, Michael Brophy, Shannon Voigt, Melissa Voigt. She was the proud great-grandmother of Kerleene, Nikki, Kalani, Nolan, Jett and Alisha. She was the great-great-grandmother of Sadie Rose Bettencourt. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 2, at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose. Interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Rene’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-1942. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.