Tricia R. Hand Seery

Tricia R. Hand Seery of Arlington passed away on December 28 with the knowledge that she was loved ineffably by her sisters and brothers, adored by her eleven nieces and nephews, and cherished by countless family members and friends, from childhood and college to work, volunteer service and the community. Brave and tenacious beyond description, Tricia died after a lengthy struggle with breast cancer, succumbing only after all options for treatment had failed. She approached her illness with the same characteristic grace with which she lived every day - optimistically and gratefully and with a wit both incisive and hilarious.
The youngest child of the late Carol A. (Gannon) Hand and Thomas J. Hand of Yonkers, NY, Tricia was born and reared in Yonkers, received her bachelor's degree from the State University of New York College at Geneseo, and earned her Master of Social Work from Boston University. She was predeceased in 2001 by her husband and soulmate, Gregory F. Seery of Arlington (formerly of Needham). She is survived by her sisters, Coleen Hand Kingsley (Scott) of North Attleboro, MA, Regina M. Hand of Warwick, RI, and Alison Hand Reeder (John) of Warwick; brother, J.T. Hand (Kathy) of York, PA; and nieces and nephews, Joey, Tara, Erin, Ryan, and Shannie Kingsley; David and Katie Evans; and Thomas, Lauren, Brian, and Kevin Hand. Tricia also leaves behind countless friends whose lives were shaped, as hers was, by genuine and abiding friendships.
For more than two decades, Tricia was employed as a counselor at Edward F. Parthum Elementary School in Lawrence, where her compassion and easygoing charm endeared her to students, families, and colleagues alike. She also served as a counselor for fifth-graders at Parthum Middle School. At Parthum Elementary, Tricia was instrumental in introducing the Junior National Honor Society and the Student Council, providing leadership opportunities to the many children she supervised over the years. In her other roles, she served as a facilitator for the Summer School program and oversaw the Extended Learning After School program.
Until recently, Tricia volunteered for nearly twenty years at The Children's Room of Arlington, an organization that provides support to grieving families. She served in numerous capacities, including as a support group facilitator and coordinator of the annual Memories Walk. She also volunteered for a number of years at the Epilepsy Foundation of New England.
As drawn to an anthem by Bruce Springsteen as by a Pete Seeger ballad, Tricia embraced the rhythms of life: the quiet nights of coffee and conversation and the girls' nights out, the peaceful walks around her neighborhood and the zaniness of family get-togethers. Those whose lives were blessed by Tricia will remember especially a generosity and kindness that transcended her own pain to brighten the lives of others.
Visitation will be held at DeVito Funeral Home, 1145 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington, on Saturday from 1-4 p.m., followed by a short service and then a reception at 5 p.m. at a nearby restaurant. Burial will occur at a later date at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Needham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Children's Room, 1210 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476, or the Sanborn Foundation, which provides financial assistance to Arlington residents living with cancer, P.O. Box 417, Arlington, MA 02476.
7
Jan
01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
DeVito Funeral Home - Arlington 1145 Mass. Ave. Arlington, MA
02476
7
Jan
04:00 PM
DeVito Funeral Home - Arlington 1145 Mass. Ave. Arlington, MA
02476