Jean O'Leary

1927 - 2017

Jean O'Leary
July 5, 1927 - June 30, 2017

In loving memory, we announce the death of Jean O'Leary. She died after a short illness surrounded by her family. Originally, from Albany, NY, she moved to Leominster after getting married.

As the memories flow, we start with her family.

Mom was married to Richard F. O'Leary for 36 years before his death in 1991.

She had five children, Richard F. O'Leary and his wife Paula, of Leominster, Peg McDevitt and her husband Mark of Aledo, Texas, Dr. Daniel O'Leary and his wife Christina Wei of Harvard MA, Jeannie O'Leary of Leominster, Jim O'Leary and his wife Ann of Fairfield,CT.

Her family was number one to her, and she devoted all her love, support, care, kindness and prayers to all of them. Mom was the greatest at being "Grandma" to Bob McDevitt and his fiancé Bella, Mike McDevitt and his wife Ioana, Catey Marcom and her husband Weston, Christopher "Zig" McDevitt and his wife Bethany, Kevin O'Leary, Cecily O'Leary, Ryan O'Leary, Natalie O'Leary, Rick O'Leary, Tom O'Leary, Patrick O"Leary, Erin O'Leary, Bridget O'Leary, and Shannon O'Leary. Mom loved being called "Gigi" by her two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Emerson Marcom from Texas.

Many a family gathering she hosted for all to share food, stories, laughs, and love together.

Mom had a very strong faith, and instilled that into her five children, and helped them pass that on to their children. She believed that faith, hope and love were all you needed to get through the highs and lows in life. Mom was a member of St. Leo's Parish in Leominster.

Mom had special ties to the Hermits of Carmel in Chester New Jersey.

She and her first cousin, Mother Mary of Jesus and St. Joseph (Elaine Gillson to family), along with her Carmel sisters, Sr. Theresa Margaret and Sr. Mary Rose remained close throughout the years, which added so much to her strong faith.

She was the last of her siblings to pass on, after her sister Mary Ellen Kilmartin of North Carolina, and her brother John "Jack" Benson of Albany, New York.

Mom was a passionate teacher at Julie Country Day School for 30 years, only to leave when the school closed down. She taught Jr. High all those years, mainly leading students to excel in English, Spelling and Grammar (particularly diagramming sentences students will remember!).This included having students qualify for the National Spelling Bee in Washington DC.

There were many occasions when our family was out and about that a former student (or parent) would stop her to say hello and how much they learned and could apply in high school, and college from all she taught them! We were always so proud of her at these times.

Mom was always ready for a family gathering and a boisterous household whether it be for Holiday celebrations, cheering on the local favorite teams, watching Wimbledon, watching her grandson in the Little League World Series, sharing book titles (loved to read), buying donuts or sipping a cup of tea. She loved all the families' pets, but her own dog, Bella, was her pal and companion everyday.

Most of all we will miss mom's joyous spirit, beautiful smile, and huge heart.

Memories with mom will go on forever, keeping us close as a family.

O'LEARY -- Mrs. O'Leary's funeral will be held on Thursday, July 6, from THE CURLEY MARCHAND FUNERAL HOME, 89 West St., Leominster, with a Mass at 10:00 AM, in St. Leo's Church, 108 Main St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster. Calling Hours at the Funeral Home will be on Wednesday, July 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:

HERMITS OF OUR LADY OF MT.CARMEL

80 Pleasant Hill Road

Chester, NJ 07930