Frances Scanlon (O’Brien), 90, of Roslindale, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late John Scanlon, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.
Frances was the loving mother of the late Maura Scanlon McRae, Tricia Scanlon and her partner, John Lonergan, of East Bridgewater, Caroline Peucker and her husband, Mark, of Stoughton, and Siobhan Dullea and her husband, John, of Westwood. She was the treasured Nana to her grandchildren, Beth, Kate, Sarah, Christian, Liam, and Maggie, and the adored “Bootsie” to her great-grandchildren Scarlett, Thanos, Riley, and Teddy, who brought her great joy.
Born and raised in Dorchester, Frances was the daughter of the late Arthur and Frances (Mastauskas) O’Brien and the oldest sister to Henry John, the late Arthur (“Pee Wee”), Carol, and James. She graduated from St. Gregory’s High School and Boston State Teachers College.
Frances spent many years as a devoted stay-at-home mother before returning to work for the Boston Public Schools, serving in an administrative role at the O’Hearn Elementary School in Dorchester. Fran was a woman of deep faith, strength, and humor. A longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Roslindale, she gave her time and energy wherever she was needed.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Fran’s life. Visiting hours will be held at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury on Friday, November 7 from 4–7 p.m. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, 169 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fran’s memory to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at cancer.org or the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.
Frances was the loving mother of the late Maura Scanlon McRae, Tricia Scanlon and her partner, John Lonergan, of East Bridgewater, Caroline Peucker and her husband, Mark, of Stoughton, and Siobhan Dullea and her husband, John, of Westwood. She was the treasured Nana to her grandchildren, Beth, Kate, Sarah, Christian, Liam, and Maggie, and the adored “Bootsie” to her great-grandchildren Scarlett, Thanos, Riley, and Teddy, who brought her great joy.
Born and raised in Dorchester, Frances was the daughter of the late Arthur and Frances (Mastauskas) O’Brien and the oldest sister to Henry John, the late Arthur (“Pee Wee”), Carol, and James. She graduated from St. Gregory’s High School and Boston State Teachers College.
Frances spent many years as a devoted stay-at-home mother before returning to work for the Boston Public Schools, serving in an administrative role at the O’Hearn Elementary School in Dorchester. Fran was a woman of deep faith, strength, and humor. A longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Roslindale, she gave her time and energy wherever she was needed.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Fran’s life. Visiting hours will be held at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury on Friday, November 7 from 4–7 p.m. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, 169 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fran’s memory to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at cancer.org or the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.
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