Finally true and eternal happiness for her blessed soul....she brought joy and happiness to others, now is the time for her to enjoy the ultimate joy and happiness she so richly deserves...."God Bless"

Hi Danny. So sorry to hear this. Ever since we became best friends in high school I know how much she meant to you and your family. Thanks to you, I got to meet her. A tremendous woman. Now she is always with you and watching over you. God Bless her, you, and your family my friend.

As Dan Joe mentioned in his tribute, mother never asked for anything for herself and was rather uncomfortable being the center of attention.  But one year for her birthday, I decided I wanted to have a really nice professional portrait done of her.   Something for me to treasure and to share with Dan Joe and Tim.   So, on one of my visits, I told her I was taking her in to Boston to get her hair and nails done and have some lunch.   She enjoyed all this (tho didn't  quite understand why we had to go to Boston when Somerville had perfectly good hairdressers).   What she did not know, is that I had packed some special clothing, makeup and accessories and after lunch, when she thought we were going home, I brought her to the studio and told her what was about to happen.  She was initially embarrassed, didn't understand why and wasn't dressed right.   No worries mom, I have everything you need and helped her get ready.  The photographer charmed her, helping her relax, getting her to laugh and pose different ways (glasses on?  glasses off?)  and in the end I think she enjoyed it.  The result is that beautiful photograph on the first page of this tribute.  Though I am sorry that due to her blindness she never fully saw it .. I am SO glad I was able to capture this side of mother for posterity.

My Mom was an amazing women, raising three children, while Dad had the easy part of working 6 days a week to support the Family!! Managing each day to get us ready for school (never late), Church on Sundays, even found time in between to volunteer at St Benedict's Church with the Sodality Society.
Vacations were few, but always looked forward to the two weeks at Swifts Beach, Wareham on Cape Cod. Mom relaxed a bit on the beach and back yard of the cottage, but still never missed a beat managing us all. No complaints from the kids (we didn't dare!!) Honestly we did but Mom and Dad ended it right then!
 Mom never asked for much. I guess raising and loving us all was her purpose in life. No one could have done it better than her.
 Sitting on the front porch on Wisconsin Ave in the summer with visits from neighbors, friends, relatives from Ireland and Canada; simple but special times spent together. Even my friends would swing by and be hard-pressed to leave, it was being around Mom and Dad that brought them.
 When I got married to De and started our family we moved in with them for a short period. This is when she shined, again, now as a Grandmother (Nana KC ). Of course, Papa shined as well. Mom made sure it worked out and it did.
She didn't travel much but the weekend to Martha's Vineyard, day trips to our house and Rose's in Arlington for holidays, she enjoyed right up to last year.
 My last day with Mom was at the Nursing home, a week before she left us. I am so thankful to be able to hold her hand tell her "I love her "and give her a kiss. She responded that "she loved me too" and squeezed my hand. She knew it was time to be with Dad, Timmy and be at peace, knowing she did what she was sent here to do for us all.

Mom you are my Angel
Love Dan Joe
XXXXOOOO

It's funny but one of the things from my childhood I remember most was taking my first plane ride with mother and my two (then annoying) toddler brothers.  This would have been around 1959.  When I see parents traveling with kids these days, and all the paraphernalia they have in tow such as strollers and snacks and toys and video games to keep them entertained, it's amazing she survived the experience.  Dad stayed behind to pay the bills (workaholic that he was) as we set out for 6 weeks visiting mother and dad's relatives.  Air travel was still a bit of a novelty way back then .. and still a little bit glamorous too.  I remember mother's little travel case.  I don't remember much about the flight itself .. we probably drove her (and other passengers) crazy.  Can you imagine climbing these stairs with an 8 year and 2 toddlers!!!  But her bravery at taking this massive task on .. by herself .. early evidence of her strength and patience  (which I personally took a toll on especially during my teenage years).   Love you mother!!!