Sheila T. Falvey of Hingham, MA formerly of Virginia Beach, VA, Acton, MA and Darien, CT died peacefully in her home on April 22nd at the age of 93 with her loving family at her bedside. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John J. Falvey, and her sister, Patricia M. McKeon.
Sheila was born on January 16, 1924 to Bridget (Clifford) and Patrick Daley of Worcester, MA. Educated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, she graduated from Ascension High School and Emmanuel College in Boston, and earned a Master’s degree in education from Worcester State Teacher’s College.
Sheila taught high school in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for a number of years before leaving the profession to marry and raise seven children. Like her husband, Sheila was the child of Irish immigrants, and devoted to education. Sheila instilled in all of her sons and daughters her passion for reading, an avid curiosity, and a love of culture and travel. She drew enormous pleasure and satisfaction from raising her children, proudly encouraging their talents and interests. Whether driving hours to take them skiing or into Boston to see a play, she gave all her time and energy to her family. And amid the chaos of raising a large family, Sheila was endlessly patient and quick to see the humor in any situation.
A deeply devout Catholic her whole life, Sheila volunteered for many years with the Catholic organization the Legion of Mary. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, John to visit their grandchildren and her grown children, who were studying and working in Europe.
Sheila leaves behind seven children, Mary of Washington, D.C., Patrick of Greenfield, MA, Eileen and her husband, Doug Taylor of Hingham, MA, Jack and his wife, Martha of Hingham, MA, Mike and his wife, Megan of Boston, MA, Matthew of Worcester, MA, and Jim and his wife, Laura of Millersville, MD as well as ten grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Sheila was grateful to her son, Matthew and her many caregivers, whose attention and dedication to her well being helped her live her final years in dignity.
Her funeral is Wednesday, April 26th with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester, MA. A calling hour will be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sheila’s name to either the scholarship fund at Emmanuel College (www.emmanuel.edu), 400 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 or Caring Across Generations (caringacross.org). Checks may be made payable to the fiscal sponsor “Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice” with “Caring Across Generations in the memo line. Mail to Caring Across Generations, 395 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10014.