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Mary Nolan Obituary

Of Arlington, August 16. Beloved wife of Leo E. Nolan. Devoted mother of David Nolan of Arlington and his fiancee Marissa Legare of Walpole, Kristen Nolan of CT and her fiancee Joseph Nappi of CT. Funeral from The DeVito-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 1145 Mass Ave., ARLINGTON Wednesday at 10:30. Funeral Mass at 11:30am in St. Eulalia Church, Winchester. Interment Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visiting at the DeVito Funeral Home on Tuesday 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers donations in Mary's memory to The African Mission Fathers, 337 Common St, Dedham MA 02026 would be appreciated.

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Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 17 to Aug. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Nolan

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Marie Z

December 7, 2024

I knew Mary and Leo through Saint Ann's. Mary taught first grade. I taught third grade and then sixth. She and Leo were there for me when I need them to deal with my mother. I have wonderful memories of them, though our paths parted, theirs to Arlington, and mine to Foxborough. Rest in peace, Mary! I know that you are in Heaven, and I hope we will see one another there some day!

Bob McMahan

May 18, 2023

I knew Mary from St. Ann´s. Always had a smile and a kind word. May she rest in peace.

Marie Ziniti

July 5, 2022

And, I wanted to add, for the last time, love you, Sta!

Marie Ziniti

July 5, 2022

After looking up your father, and finding his obituary, I had to look up your mother, too. They were both wonderful people. I knew them when they were in St. Ann's, where I lived and taught with your mother. They were wonderful friends to me in a time of need, and they live, fondly, in my memories. I only met their first child at his baptism in Arlington all those years ago, and our paths went in different directions. I am so happy to see that they had a happy life together. And that they had a wonderful family together.

Danny Long

October 9, 2008

When I was in first grade, a long time ago, I found a book in a trash barrel in a Dorchester playground. One of my first grade teachers made me put it back, naturally. When we got back to the school, she gave me three more books to take the other one's place. I haven't stopped reading since. Thank you for that, Mary. Heaven has a very special redhead.

Matt & Diana Pooley

August 27, 2008

Dear Krissy, David, and family,
Krissy and David, you may remember my name from days at AHS...My parents recently informed me of your mom's passing. I am sending along my prayers and condolences for your mom, for both of you, and for all of your family and friends. I went to Brackett while your mom was there, and I have lots of wonderful memories of her helping out all the kids who needed it most all through my time at Brackett. What a wonderful mom you had; may God's comfort and peace be with you as you both mourn and celebrate your mom. :)
Many blessings ~ Matt

The Taylors

August 26, 2008

To The Nolan Family,

Remember the sounds of laughter
tears of joy
Remember the sweet conversatons
gentle touches
Remember she is not far
nor forgotten
For her new home
is now within us
Forever everlasting.

We will always remember her as the wonderful, funfilled woman who made all of us smile.

With our deepest sympathy

Mary Tierney

August 25, 2008

Though we didn't know Mrs. Nolan personally, she knew Kelsey from Brackett. When we heard she had suddenly passed, we were so shocked. We said "she was that nice lady who was always smiling and always says hello." Life is so precious and fragile. May you find peace in knowing how much joy she brought to children and all the memories you have of her. The Tierney Family, Mary, Jim and Kelsey

Tim Downing

August 23, 2008

Mary and Leo came to support my Mom inn 1970 when we had just lost our Dad. Mary's kindness and love helped my Mother through the most difficult of times.
Your love and caring will never be forgotten Mary. You truly are one of the most special people to ever come into our lives.

Leo, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,

The Downing Family

Cheryl Jones

August 21, 2008

My daughter Rachel came home from a day at camp today, telling me that a camp buddy of hers (who's also a fellow Brackett student) informed her of Mrs. Nolan's passing. I just could not believe it. How could someone so bright, vivacious, and full of life be gone?

I never saw her without a smile on her face, I never knew her not to say hello or to stop and ask how my children are doing, or share a sweet or funny story about one of my children (whom she always knew by name -- a feat that constantly amazed me!), I never recalled another person who was so dedicated to her "kids", and, most importantly, I'll never, ever forget her.

God bless you and your family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cheryl, Stephen, Nicholas, Rachel, and Sarah Jones

Richard & Patty Maimone

August 21, 2008

Dear Leo, David and Krissy, We were so saddened to hear of Mary's passing. She was a wonderful and caring person who was always friendly to talk to whenever we met. She is at peace now and in heaven with other angels just like her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of mourning.

Eileen Perry

August 21, 2008

When my students would go off to work with Mary, she treated each one in such a caring way. My students would always ask if they could go and work with her again. The children just loved her. Let us all take Mary with us and try to incorporate her natural teaching style into our teaching. We will all be the better for doing it. Rest peacefully Mary.

Beth Soltzberg

August 20, 2008

Mrs. Nolan was a wonderful teacher whose love for her students shone through every day. My son Rafi benefitted so much from her encouragement and attention. She also made a point of taking me aside on several occasions to let me know how he was doing. Her suggestions and encouragement were very important to me, too. She was a person who went the extra mile for her students. We will miss her greatly.

My younger daughter Rachel also has fond memories of Mrs. Nolan, who always took the time to give her a sticker or a pencil as a reward for being patient while Mrs. Nolan and I talked.

We are keeping Mrs. Nolan's family in our thoughts and hearts.

Rafi Barglow

August 20, 2008

She is a wonderful teacher. I'll really miss her.

Diane Mahon

August 20, 2008

Dearest Leo, Krissy & David,

A little part of me went with Mary when I heard of her passing. Mary was the kindest, sweetest soul that has ever come into and really touched my life. Not to take from the other *Mary*, but our Mary truly did turn on every room with her smile. She was the standard by which I measured myself, she was an unwavering supporter of mine whether it be PTO or, more importantly, helping me to try to emulate her as a mother and friend. She was a caring and very loving wife to you, Leo, but I know you know that. And, she couldn't be more proud than when she would speak of *my David* or *my Krissy*. I am heartbroken that she will not physically be with us, but I know she'll certainly be guiding me still every day giving me strength and saying to me -- as she always did -- "Go get 'em!". Love and God's blessing to all of you. Diane Mahon & family

Monica Sateriale

August 19, 2008

Krissy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mother. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Deanna Stacchi Turnquist

August 19, 2008

We all send our deepest sympathies to the Nolan Family. Having lived around the corner from Mrs. Nolan my entire life I have many memories -- seeing her at church, around town doing errands, Trick or Treating (as a child myself and now all these years later with my own kids). The nicest feeling was sending my son to her this past year at the Brackett School. I knew he was with the greatest of women. He too adored her. She is someone who will be deeply missed and remembered with fondness.

Janice Weber

August 19, 2008

Krissy, David & Leo,

There is no brighter light than that of your mother/wife. This light will shine forever; everyone has said how nice she was and you all know that to be true.

Krissy,
Gregory is away on vacation and was so sad to hear about mom; he sends his condolences.

All our love and prayers,

Janice Weber and family

Maddy Murphy

August 19, 2008

She was like family to me. I will really, really, really miss her. I love her. -Maddy Murphy

Catherine Murphy

August 19, 2008

We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Mrs. Nolan. As a student at the Brackett School, my daughter Maddy, fell in love with her immediately. She was so warm, encouraging, and loving. It truly saddens us to know that we will not be seeing her back at school in Sept. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. With Love and Gratitude, Madeleine and the Murphy Family

The Smiths

August 19, 2008

Mrs. Nolan was one of the first people we met when we first moved to Arlington years ago, and I remember how welcoming she was and how much that meant to us. All the wiffle balls we hit into her yard and all the snacks she gave the kids over the years will remain as fond memories. It was a very comforting feeling having her at Brackett and seeing how great she was with every single kid she came in contact with. She and Mr. Nolan were simply the nicest neighbors we could have asked for, and we will always be thankful for everything they have done for us and our kids over the years.

Leslie Brady

August 19, 2008

To Leo and The Nolan Family
Mary was a wonderful human being.
She will be sorely missed by everyone.She touched everyone who came in contact with her.We
know there's an angel in heaven watching over us all. Rest in Peace
Love The Brady's Bob,Lee,Bobby Kathryn

Stephanie Franzosa

August 19, 2008

The Brackett School has lost a fine teacher and a good friend. We will never forget Mrs. Nolan's smile, her devotion to every child who stepped into that school, and her enthusiasm for 'Etiquette Day' - my older son still remembers where the silverware goes, thanks to Mrs. Nolan. May her family and close friends be comforted at this difficult time by knowing how many lives she touched.

The Vogel Family

August 19, 2008

Mrs. Nolan always brought a smile in everyone -
Mrs. Nolan, with Marc and Mrs. Cantelli - Brackett School, June 2003

Jeanne

August 18, 2008

I received a gift: When I was a little girl with buck teeth a lady with red hair made me feel special.

I received a gift: When my dad was so sick I had a shoulder to cry on.

I recieved a gift: When my first son was born you told me he was the most beautiful baby you had ever seen.

I received a gift: When I moved to this little town and had no friends you made me feel at home.

I received a gift: When my second son was going to be born by c-section you took me out to dinner so I wouldn"t be afraid and alone.

I received a gift: When my daughter was born. (You thought she was a boy and bought all boy"s clothes for her).

I received a gift: When you would come up the back stairs of my house and yell through the window with that big HIIII.

I received a gift: On election day you would call. Tell me who to vote for and say (Hurry up and get out there.)

I received a gift: When we would have to blow up balloons for the kids at school to make them feel special.

I recieved a gift: That I got to spend ever Christmas Eve with you, Leo, Krissy & Dave.

I received a gift: When you would say (Jesus, Mary and Joseph what are you doing now.)

I received a gift: When I used to watch you and Chucky fight over glass or paper plates.

I received a gift: When I watched how much courage you had when you had to say good-bye to my kids.

I received a gift: To see you thinking of everyone else all the way to the end. (no vim or viger you would always say.)

I received a gift: To have the most wonderful aunt and best friend anyone could have every had. And for that I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

Margot Mays

August 18, 2008

Dear Nolan Family:

Our son Aidan rode the bus that Mrs. Nolan chaperoned to the Bishop school. Through Kindergarten and 1st grade, it was easier for me as a mom to watch him drive away knowing that Mrs. Nolan was on board. I appreciated her smile and wave - she made a difference in our daily life. May her gifts to you sustain you in this most difficult time.

Aidan McKew's parents,
Margot and John from the Gray and Valley Bus stop

Anthony Vogel

August 18, 2008

We are deeply saddened to learn of Mrs. Nolan's passing. She was one of the brightest lights at Brackett School. She was instrumental in opening the doors of school to my eldest son, Marc, and our family will always owe her a huge debt of gratitude. She was never without a warm smile and a hug for all of her students (as well as the occasional piece of candy that she had stashed in her pockets for just the right moment). We always felt that she could not have done more for our son, had he been her own family. We learned over time that she showed that same boundless devotion to all her students. Marc's great success today, despite his profound early difficulties, is I'm sure just one of many examples of the many lives that she has touched. We will miss that special twinkle in her eye. We hope that learning how much all in the Brackett community loved and respected Mrs. Nolan will be of some comfort to her family.
With love, the Vogel family - Nan, Tony, Marc, and Jonathan

Jessica Sweeney-Platt

August 18, 2008

Dear Nolan family,
My daughter Ainsley rides the bus that Mrs. Nolan monitored at Bishop School. She wanted me to write and tell you that she is "very sad that Mrs. Nolan died, and that she was a very nice lady and a good friend. I miss her very much."

I will miss her smiling face at the bus stop every day. She touched so many people's lives--our family is grateful to have known her.

Stacey Simmons

August 18, 2008

David, Krissy & Leo,
I have so many wonderful memories of Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I speak for everyone in my family when I say please let any one of us know if you need anything.

Michelle Sordillo

August 18, 2008

Leo,Dave,Chrissy,Marissa & Joe~
I am so very sorry for your loss, Mary was a great person. I am very lucky that I got to know and love her! My thoughts and prayers are with you all....

Nicole and Jorge Alfonso

August 18, 2008

Krissy and Family,
There are no words right now that could take this pain away. We are so sorry for your lost. You and your family are in our prayers everyday. It was so sudden and time was so short. Keep your memories close to you and your heart will let your mother/wife live forever. All the stories I heard Krissy she was truly a genuine loving and real down to earth woman who cared so much for her family. I wish I could of met her. Again we are so sorry. We love you and we are here with open arms for when you and Joe come home.
Our Condolences.

MARIE BONILLA

August 18, 2008

TO THE NOLAN FAMILY
IM AM SO VERY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF MARY .SHE WAS INDEED A WONDERFUL AND THOUGHTFUL LADY AND YOU CHILDREN ARE A REFLECTION OF THAT..IF I CAN DO ANYTHING PLEASE LET ME KNOW .YOU WILL ALL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Rebecca Riccio, John Gould, Cooper & Griffin

August 18, 2008

Brackett School will not be the same without Mrs. Nolan. Her kind, gentle, and generous spirit made us all better for knowing her, and we will miss her deeply.

Francesca Coltrera

August 18, 2008

Some people brighten our lives so much that the world seems to dim when they leave it. Your wife and mother was one of those wonderful people. We treasure the bound books she and Pauline Pope worked on with the first graders years ago. My daughters, Emma and Kate, both benefited from Mary Nolan’s many kind acts. She was warm, loving, funny, and passionate, always bustling, yet always willing to stop for a quick chat despite a schedule packed with caring for all the kids on the school bus and in school and truly everyone around her. We feel blessed to have known her and are so sorry for your loss.
Francesca Coltrera and Andrew, Emma, and Kate Cornell

Jessica French

August 18, 2008

Krissie, David, & The Nolan Family,

I want to extend my sincere sympathies to all of you. Mrs. Nolan was always involved in the town in so many ways. I have fond memories of your mother - she was such a nice woman.

You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you be comforted by the many memories you and so many others have of her.

Karen Schoonmaker

August 18, 2008

Our family will truly miss Mrs. Nolan. She was so kind and wonderful to our children. She encouraged them to always take care of each other. Mary always had a hug, a kind word or a sticker to smooth the rough spots. I will truly miss her smiling face each morning.
Our family sends its deepest sympathy to you.
With love and prayers,
Jim, Karen, Laura, Annie and Emily Schoonmaker

Amanda Hammond

August 17, 2008

Mary was a fellow teacher that could always bring a smile to my face. She was a loving, caring woman and I will miss her dearly. My prayers are with her family at this extremely difficult time.

John and Linda Noviello

August 17, 2008

Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family.

Jennifer Opp

August 17, 2008

Mrs. Nolan was a very special friend to my son, Eli Flinn, and me. She spent a lot of time in Mrs. Pope's first grade when Eli was in that class and worked on an amazing project with the children where they wrote and illustrated their own books. Mary will remain in our hearts as a beautiful and special woman who was passionate about her work and approached life with tenacity and enthusiasm. She will be deeply missed at the Brackett school and in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief and sadness.

Jennifer Opp, Eli and Rosalie Flinn

Ben, Susan, Olivia and Miles Bernhard

August 17, 2008

Mrs. Nolan (for that is who she will always be to us!) was a true and cherished friend to our daughter Olivia for the last six years. She was like a fairy godmother, always there with a sincere smile, kind words, and a big, warm hug. What a loss for us all! Our deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.

Marcia Hardin

August 17, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lauren R. Jastremski -retired teacher--Dallin School

August 17, 2008

The world has lost one of its brightest lights. I knew Mary as such a kind, generous and devoted teacher/colleague. Her passing is a terrible loss for her family, her friends, the children and families of Arlington, the members of the APS community. I send my heartfelt condolences to everyone.

May Mary now rest in peace...

Eileen Mansfield

August 17, 2008

Dear Leo:
It was with great shock that I read of Mary's death this morning. So many wonderful memories came flooding back to me. I am truly sorry for the pain you must be feeling. May you find peace in the days to come.

Prayers and thoughts for you and your children, Eileen Mansfield

Suzanne Trottier

August 17, 2008

Dear Leo, Krissy and David,
In the five years that I have had the pleasure of knowing Mary, I was lucky enough to have gained such a wonderful friend and colleague. Mary was unlike any other! :) I will miss her dearly and I send my deepest condolences.

Steve Carme and Lanise Jacoby

August 17, 2008

Our hearts go out to the family at this time of sorrow. Mary was an incredible woman, filled with vitality. Her energy and many efforts on the behalf of the children of Arlington will be missed by all.

Please know that Mary and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathy,

Evelyn Smith De Mille

August 17, 2008

Dear Leo, David, and Krissy...There are no words to express the deep sadness and sorrow I felt upon hearing of your loss. Take care of yourselves and each other. Our town and the world have lost a kind and loving woman---we will all miss Mary. I take solace in my belief that my husband, Jack, who so recently "crossed," was among the throng welcoming her home. Please know that you are all in my thoughts, prayers, and heart now and as the difficult days ahead unfold.

Kathleen Donovan (Brennick)

August 17, 2008

I have so many memories of all of the 17th of June parades as we sat on the lion outside Grandpa and Grandma Brennick's house on Bunker Hill Street in Charlestown and watched the parade. We laughed and we talked. You had such energy, just like my dad. My dad use to take us to visit your family. It was a treat for us to visit.

Nancy Dicker

August 17, 2008

Mary was an amazing strong woman. Children of Arlington will certainly miss her as well as me, one of her colleagues at Brackett.

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