Enjoyed dancing and traveling
WAKEFIELD — Jean Mullen (Hennessey) of Wakefield passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on September 23. She was born in Boston on April 4, 1931 and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Helen (Hayes) Hennessey.
Jean was the beloved wife of 67 years to Eugene L. Mullen. She was the loving mother of Mary Vardaro and her husband Dan of Lynnfield; Gene Mullen and his wife Bonnie of Stoneham; Eileen Ahlquist and her husband Peter of Reading; Suzanne Burns and her husband Paul of Wakefield; and Laurie Butts and her husband Ed of Melrose. Cherished grandmother to Nick Vardaro and his wife Torrie; Christina Short and her husband Andrew; David Ahlquist; Jennifer Ahlquist; Erin Burns; Mary Kate Burns; Conor Burns; Caroline Butts and fiancé Zach Donahue; Amy Butts; and Alison Butts. Adoring great grandmother to Baylen Vardaro. She was predeceased by her brother Thomas Hennessey and sister Louise Ludwig. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Eileen Orlando and Marie Hennessey; and many nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Salem State College and Boston University, Jean enjoyed many years as a teacher in Arlington, Japan and at the Montrose School in Wakefield. She was active in the Kiwanis Club of Wakefield-Lynnfield and served as club president (1999-2000). In their retirement Jean and Gene enjoyed dancing and traveling with dear friends. Jean found great comfort and joy in having all of her children live nearby. She would often say how “wonderful” it was to see her family when she was out and about town.
Jean’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 27 in St. Joseph’s Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday, September 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery., Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For the online guestbook and directions, please visit mcdonaldfs.com.
