Mary (Carroll) Ronan lost her battle with Fibroid Sarcoma Cancer on Thursday, January 29, 2009. A native of Andover, Massachusetts, Mrs. Ronan was born at 90 North Main Street, Andover, on November 5, 1906. She was the daughter of the late Patrick J. Carroll and Ellen (Cleary) Carroll of 5 Elm Court. The Carroll's bought the land from John Flint and began building their home in 1911. Mary was a member of the first graduating class of St. Augustine's new Grammar School in 1920 and was selected to be the Queen of the May that same year. Her love of music led her to become a member of St. Augustine's choir in her early years. After graduating from Punchard High School, class of 1924, Mary worked for Barnett (Barney) Roger's Real Estate Office in Andover; for an insurance firm in Boston; and for the Curran & Joyce Bottling Company in Lawrence in the billing department until her marriage in 1931. Mary worked again for Curran & Joyce Bottling and Brewing Company from 1932 to 1944.
Mary often shared her memories of family, friends and life experiences, especially of Andover, with her children and grandchildren. All enjoyed her stories. She possessed a fantastic memory and would often share little songs she learned during her early school days, as far back as the 1st and 2nd grades, while attending the Andover Public Schools with her family.
Mary's Strong faith sustained her throughout her life. Mary always remained interested in what was going on around her, in people she had known, and in current events. She liked to read, sing, and on occasion amuse herself and others by playing the piano. She will always be remembered as the center and strength of the family.
Mrs. Ronan was a communicant of St. Augustine's Church, Andover for 73 years, until she moved to Lawrence in 1979. Presently, she is a member of St. Patrick's Parish Community in Lawrence and a 50 plus year member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Sodality.
Mrs. Ronan was the widow of the late Leonard J. Ronan of 60 Morton Street, Andover. She leaves her son, Leonard J. Ronan of Walnut, California; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Ellen and Leo F. Roberts of Hampton, New Hampshire; and Carol and Walter N. Lange of Gaithersburg, Maryland. She also leaves three granddaughters, Barbara Ronan of Essex Junction, Vermont; Catherine (Lange) Mackin and her husband Christopher of Denver, Colorado; and Courtney (Lange) Hollis and her husband, Adam of Amherst, New Hampshire; three grandsons, Michael Ronan and his wife, Julie of Broadlands, Virginia; Robert Ronan of Walnut, California; and Daniel Lange and his wife, Amy, of Gaithersburg, Maryland. She also leaves five great-granddaughters, Caitlin and Hannah Ronan, Elizabeth "Libby" and Claire Mackin and Rylie Lange. She also leaves great-granson, Dylan Lange as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by sisters, Josephine (Carroll) Renny, Helen (Carroll) Ballantyne, Margaret (Carroll) Minihan and brother, John Carroll.
Mary's family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Francis J. Hornicek and his oncology team at Massachusetts General Hospital for their expertise and wonderful care of our mother. Each member of the team did an outstanding job and Mother was very pleased and became fond of them as well. We further would like to express our thanks to the Merrimack Valley Hospice Team. Their loving care meant a great deal to her and us. We could not have asked for a better case manager and team. In addition, we thank Dr. H. Manning Curtis for caring for our Mother for over twenty years and for his support during this final illness.
Many relatives and friends attended a funeral Mass at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, on Monday, February 2, 2009, at 10 AM.
Calling hours were held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, Sunday, February 1, 2009, from 3 to 7 pm. Burial was in St. Augustine Cemetery, Andover.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.