…Ret. U.S. Navy Petty Officer; 76
TEWKSBURY - Mrs. Judith Ann (Kenneally) Colman, age 76, a Veteran, devout Catholic, and retired Tewksbury School secretary, died Friday, August 10, at Mass General Hospital, after a courageous, thirty year battle with Cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Colman, who died in January 1978.
“Judy” was born in Cambridge in September 1941, one of four children of the late William and Helen T. (Murphy) Kenneally, and raised in several sections of the city. She graduated from North Cambridge Catholic High School, and later attended Middlesex Community College. In 1961, she and Joe moved to Tewksbury to begin their family.
In addition to being a caring mother, she worked at DeMoulas-Market Basket Supermarket, the I.R.S., and the Tewksbury School Department from where she retired after thirty-six years of service. She was also an election official and Poll worker for the Town of Tewksbury. After the loss of her husband and her children had grown, she enlisted into the U.S. Navy Reserves. She began her military career as a Yeoman in the Military SeaLift Command, earned the rank of Petty Officer First Class while serving with the SeaBee’s, and retired from CLFMast Communications Unit. She was a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Judy will not only be remembered for her love of family and country, but also for the love of her church. As an active member of St. William’s Parish in Tewksbury, she had served as an Eucharistic Minister, a volunteer at the Friday Night Men’s Club Bingo, a member of the church’s Finance Committee, served as a C.C.D. teacher, worked many Church Christmas Fairs, and was a member of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality. Her devotion and faith had carried her through many of life’s challenges, and she was an inspirational Cancer survivor. Her warmth, cheerful spirit, constant smile and positive outlook will be cherished and remembered by all she touched.
Judy enjoyed volunteering for many organizations. She ushered at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Merrimack Repertory Theater, Regal Players, and Cary Hall. At the Tewksbury Senior Center, she was an exercise instructor and a member of the Senior Center Chorus, the Senior Belles and the Golden Age Club. She was involved with the American Cancer Society, Lowell General’s TeamWalk for Cancer, Free to Breath Lung Cancer organization, and the Upper Merrimack Valley Medical Reserves Corps.
Judy will also be remembered for her love of adventure and travel throughout Europe and the U.S.A.
She leaves her daughters, Catherine M. Colman of Tewksbury, with whom she resided, and Theresa A. and her husband Peter G. Thuillier of Derry, NH; her beloved grandsons, Joseph W. and Patrick G. Thuillier of Derry, NH; brothers, Joseph and his wife Kathleen Kenneally of Waterville, ME and Thomas Kenneally of Revere; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends. She was predeceased by her brother William Kenneally.
Visiting hours Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 4:00 utntil 7:00 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950. Her funeral will begin Thursday, Aug 16, at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury. Burial with Navy Honors will follow in Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Tewksbury, MA 01876 or the charity of donor’s choice will be appreciated. tewksburyfuneralhome.com