Barbara A. (Grimley) Gannon 88, a former longtime Franklin resident, died peacefully, with family at her side, Monday August 14th, 2017 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, following an illness. She was the beloved wife of the late George H. Gannon, Jr. who died in 2012.
Born January 31, 1929 in Clinton, a daughter of the late Patrick and Helen (Freel) Grimley, she was a former resident of Clinton before settling in Franklin in 1968.
She was raised and educated in Clinton and was a graduate of Clinton High School. She then enrolled at St. Margaret’s School of Nursing in Dorchester, where she received her nursing degree. A proud American she joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and served as a nurse while stationed in England. She attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was honorably discharged in October 1953.
Upon returning home from the service, she worked as a head nurse for Clinton Hospital.
With a move to Franklin, she began dedicated 25 years as a nurse for Franklin School system, with primary care to FHS until her retirement.
She was a devoted mother, who enjoyed spending time with her family at the camp in Whitefield, New Hampshire, traveling, bowling and golf. Barbara was a fierce supporter of all the New England sports teams, took pride in her “Irish Heritage” and enjoyed her smokes and stories.
Barbara was a member of the Emblem Club and a former member of the Franklin Fourth of July Committee.
She is survived by her children, James P. Gurganus of Franklin, George H. Gannon III and his wife Debbie of Douglas, Joseph D. Gannon of Northampton, Steven J. Gannon and his wife Carol of Norton, Jeffrey J. Gannon and his wife Pam of Milford, Michael P. Gannon of Franklin, Kathleen Sanders and her husband Gary of Attleboro, Susan Doyle of Milford and Susan E. Gannon of West Boylston, a daughter-in-law Brenda Gannon of Norton. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.
She was the mother of the late Stephen M. Gannon, Deborah A. Gosselin and sister of the late Joseph Grimley.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Friday Aug. 18th at 8AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 130 South St. Wrentham, at 9AM.
Interment with military honors will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster.
Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the American Legion Post #75 1034 Pond St. Franklin, MA 02038.
Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com
