Age 84 retired Registered Nurse, died at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on November 4, 2008 after complications of a fall she suffered in her home. She was born Jan. 19, 1924 in Brighton where she lived and worked most of her life. She attended St. Columbkille High School and graduated in the class of 1943. She then graduated from St. Elizabeth Nursing Program in 1946. Mary served in Military Sea Transport Service (MSTS) following the conclusion of WW2, to assist the many displaced persons after the war. In this position she traveled to Germany, South American and England.
After working in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Brooklyn, NY, Mary spent 30 years in pediatric nursing at Kennedy Memorial Hospital (Franciscan Childrens Hospital).
In Addition to serving throughout the hospital, Mary found community volunteer service to be an integral part of her life. She was known to assist with community blood pressure programs and was recognized for her service on several occasions. In 1995, she received the Unsung Heroes Award for Allston-Brighton and in 1996 she received an official citation from the MA State Senate for “her tireless service and dedication to the Veronica Smith Senior Center.” Mary also received an official citation for Outstanding Community Service and Dedication toward the Lives of Seniors from the MA House of Representatives.
Mary had a special gift of endearing people to her for a lifetime. She was especially gifted at telling stories and enjoying people’s company. In her spare time Mary was an avid reader and shared her books with many.
She is survived by her nephew Richard Lenihan , his wife and son Loretta and Richard; a nephew Raymond Lenihan and nieces Patrice and Carol Lenihan. She is further survived by many friends who had been by her side in life and in her death. In addition to her parents Mary (Ford) and Richard A. Lenihan , she was preceded in death by her two brothers Richard and John Lenihan.
Funeral from the Lehman & Reen Funeral Home Saturday Nov. 8th at 8 am. Funeral Mass in St. Columbkille Church 321 Market St. Brighton at 9 am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting Hrs. Friday Nov. 7th from 5-8 pm. Interment Private.
In lieu of flowers donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Veronica Smith Senior Center 20 Chestnut Hill Ave Brighton, MA 02135. Mary’s family would like to thank all of the staff of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for their care, attention and support.