Mary Louise Spillane, 89, of Andover, MA and long-time resident of Brockton, MA and West Bridgewater, MA.
It is with great sadness that the family of Louise Spillane shares the news of her passing on October 6, 2014. A long-time resident of Brockton and West Bridgewater, MA, Louise moved to Andover after the death of her husband of 49 years, Stephen A. Spillane, in 1996. She became an active member of her new community, helping to care for her grandsons, joining the Shawsheen Women's Club, and developing many new friendships. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving extended family in her apartment at the wonderfully compassionate Zelma Lacey House of Charlestown, MA.
Born in Brockton on January 28, 1925, to Mary and Francis Herlihy, Louise graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Brockton and attended Carney Nursing School in Boston. She had a quick wit, a sharp intelligence, and a wonderfully Irish self-deprecating sense of humor that was enjoyed by all. She was an avid reader, enjoyed bridge, crossword puzzles and scrabble, and cherished her annual “girls’ trips” with her daughters, travelling to Alaska, London, Paris, St. Barth’s, and Wellfleet.
Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family. She was the loving mother of three daughters and a son: Barbara Heisler and husband Henry of Shrewsbury, MA; Jo-Anne Spillane of Charlestown, MA; Peggy Tonelli and husband Steven of Andover, MA; and Michael Spillane and wife Sandra of Shrewsbury, MA. The loving grandmother of Matthew Heisler and wife Karin; Ben Heisler and wife Althea; Michael Tonelli and wife Nicole; Andrew Tonelli; Patrick Tonelli; Cael Spillane; and Kevin Spillane; and loving great-grandmother of Jacob, Katrina, Fiorella, Esmé, and Emery Heisler. She was sadly predeceased by her brother, Francis Herlihy, and great-granddaughter, Olivia Tonelli. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 11th, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (439 West St., Brockton, MA), with interment to follow at Pine Hills Cemetery in West Bridgewater, MA. Although there will be no calling hours, Conley Funeral Home of Brockton, MA is handling all arrangements. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Louise by making a donation to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island (One Bulfinch Place, 2nd floor, Boston MA 02114).