HEFFERNAN, Angela (Hennessey) of Milton, formerly of West Roxbury, died peacefully on February 4th. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, Angela was a graduate of Girls’ Latin School, Boston College’s first class of women, and Boston State College, where she earned a master’s degree in education.
Married for over 60 years to her best friend, Honorable Paul P. Heffernan (retired), Angela was the mother of Honorable Mary Elizabeth of West Roxbury, Paul, Jr., of Wellesley, David, of Manhattan, Angela Rose (Toussaint), of Dedham, Janet (Mondani), of Danville, CA, and John, of Marblehead. She also had 13 spectacular grandchildren, of whom she was extremely proud.
She is survived by her siblings, William F. Hennessey, of Boston, and Sister Mary Hennessey,r.c., of Chicago; she was predeceased by her brother, Joseph F. Hennessey and her sister, Ann Praught. Angela was a treasured aunt to several nieces and nephews, a wonderful cousin, and a dear friend to many.
Certified in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, Angela retired after a 30-year career in the Boston Public Schools, where she served as a teacher, lead teacher, mentor, and a reading specialist. She educated countless young Bostonians during her tenure. Angela was dedicated to improving the lives of her students, especially through a strong encouragement of reading. Her last position in the BPS was at the Joseph Lee School in Dorchester. After she retired, Angela worked as a reading and writing instructor at Northeastern University. In addition, she continued to substitute teach in Boston schools throughout the West Roxbury neighborhood. Nothing, however, was more important to her than the time she shared with Paul, their children, and their grandchildren. Angela had tremendous faith and a sense of humor that guided her through life’s peaks and valleys. She was extraordinarily kind, gracious, and humble.
Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. WEST ROXBURY on Thursday,February 8th, at 9:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Theresa of Avila Church at 10:00 AM.
Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to Joslin Diabetes Center, Young Adult/Pediatrics Division, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com