Nancy E. (Scanlon) Begley, the wife of the late John A. Begley, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 18th, after a brief illness. She was born in Lowell, MA, the daughter of the late James and Helen Scanlon.
Her survivors include her daughter Ellen Begley Woods and her husband Fergal of Melrose, MA and Mary Beth Begley-Finn and her husband Jimmy of Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland, her grandchildren; Julia and Patrick Woods and James and John Finn, sisters; Carol Moynihan of Methuen, Maureen Scanlon of Lowell and Linda Lacey and her husband William of Melrose; a brother James Scanlon and his wife Mary of Lowell. As well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Nancy was a graduate of Lowell High School, Lowell State Teachers College and earned a Masters of Education at the University of Lowell in addition to a variety of Certifications in Education. She was a member of Phi Lambda Theta.
Nancy began her teaching career in Chelmsford as a grade school teacher before transferring to the Greenhalge School in Lowell. Once her children began school, she returned to education and taught in the Lawrence Public Schools for thirty years.
Nancy’s career in Lawrence included positions as a Reading Specialist, a Staff Developer, a Curriculum Facilitator and as a Teaching Assistant Principal.
Some of the activities she most enjoyed included being a Chartered Member and former President of the Merrimack Valley Reading Association, serving on the Board of Directors of the New England Reading Association, being a member of the International Reading Association and acting as a Past President and member of The College Club of Greater Lawrence. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Lawrence.
Nancy was an active member of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence where she was involved in a variety of voluntary activities which included acting for over thirty years as a CCD teacher, an RCIA facilitator and a member of Our Lady’s Sodality. Most recently, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and as a volunteer at the Cor Unum Meal Center.
She enjoyed travelling with her family, socializing with her family and friends and spending time with her grandchildren. Nancy will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Calling hours are Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com. There will be a Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians service held at 4:30 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Mass on Monday, June 24th at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, Lawrence. Burial will follow in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in North Andover, MA. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Parish and Cor Unum Meal Center 118 South Broadway, Lawrence, MA 01843-1427.