Joan M. Dunlevy, R.N.
Former Tewksbury Selectman
TEWKSBURY: Joan M. (Sughrue) Dunlevy, R.N., age 85, a longtime resident and well known member of the Tewksbury community, passed away at her daughter’s home with her family at her side on Wednesday, November 23, 2016.
She was the beloved wife of William S. Dunlevy, who passed away on February 11, 2011.
Born in Boston on February 8, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Richard J. Sughrue, Sr., and the late Marion R. (Madden) Sughrue.
Mrs. Dunlevy was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1948. Following graduation, she attended Lowell General Hospital School of Nursing and became a registered nurse.
Prior to her retirement she worked as a nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Lowell General Hospital, Saint John’s Hospital and Tewksbury Hospital.
Mrs. Dunlevy was dedicated to public service in her beloved town. She was the first woman in the history of the town to serve as Chairman of the Tewksbury Board of Selectman. She also served as Chairman of the Board of Health. She was a member of the building committees for the South Tewksbury Fire Station, Tewksbury Police Station and the John F. Ryan Elementary School. As a community health educator, she designed a statewide hypothermia program, hosted a weekly radio program for WCAP, was the publisher and editor of Health Happenings Magazine, and wrote a column for the Lowell Sun entitled “An Apple a Day.” She was ahead of her time in developing a program to help people suffering from drug addiction including a drug education program at Walpole State Prison.
In her spare time, Mrs. Dunlevy was an avid reader who, through her books was able to travel the world and have many adventures.
Most of all, Mrs. Dunlevy was dedicated to her family and friends. She took excellent care of her mother, son and husband during their illnesses; she took the time to listen to people and help them solve their problems; and she was always available to anyone in need. She will be remembered as a woman of high integrity and compassion. We will all miss her sparkling blue Irish eyes.
Mrs. Dunlevy is survived by her four sons and three daughters, Stephen R. Dunlevy and his wife Doreen, Alan W. Dunlevy and his wife Diane, Sheila M. Fabiano and her husband Thomas, Ellen J. Pendleton and her husband Raymond, and William L. Dunlevy of Tewksbury, John T. Dunlevy and his wife Maureen of Georgetown, and Jennifer A. Connolly and her husband Barry of Wells, Maine. She was also the sister of Mary E. Burke and her late husband Thomas of Andover, Barbara A. Roper and her husband Gerald of Pennsylvania, Julia P. Morris and her late husband Thomas, Marion Sundgaard and her husband Roger, Theresa J. Patterson and her late husband Richard all of Maine, the late John R. Sughrue and his late wife Janet, and the late Richard J. Sughrue, Jr. and his wife Claire. She also leaves her ‘son-at-heart’ Charles Dykens of Tewksbury.
Mrs. Dunlevy was the mother of the late Barry F. Dunlevy and the mother-in-law of the late Gail C. Dunlevy.
She leaves 18 grandchildren, 44 nieces and nephews and numerous extended family members and friends.
Calling hours are Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 2-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Her funeral will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Williams Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Barry F. Dunlevy Foundation and mailed to Sheila M. Fabiano, 70 John Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876.