SPRINGFIELD – Mary B. (O’Sullivan) McAleer of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Friday, December 18, 2020. She passed into Eternal Life at Mercy Medical Center surrounded by the care and comfort of her loving family. She was born in Banogue, Annascaul, County Kerry, Ireland on November 29, 1929, a beloved daughter of the late John and Hannah (Bowler) O’Sullivan. She came to Worcester in 1949 and moved to Springfield in 1950 where she lived the remainder of her life. For 18 years, she was a housekeeper in the Rectory at Sacred Heart Church, and previously worked for the Spanish Apostolate, and the Bond Baking Company, all in Springfield. She was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Auxiliary at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, both in Springfield. She was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. Mary was very proud of her Irish Heritage and in May of 2009, she was invited by Congressman Richard Neal to attend a reception and meeting with Mary McAleese, President of Ireland. The reception, hosted by the Boston Irish Consulate, was held at the Mass Mutual Center. Mary had the great opportunity to actually speak with Mrs. McAleese personally. Later in 2009, Mary received a beautiful card and personal letter from Mrs. McAleese congratulating her on her 80th birthday. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and soul mate, James E. McAleer who was Called Home on October 23, 1975. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Springfield on August 8, 1959 and were blessed with 16 years of happiness together. She leaves her loving daughter, Mary P. McAleer of Northampton; her loving son and daughter-in-law, James J. McAleer and his wife, Caroline A. (Lachtara) McAleer, of West Springfield; and her many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended family members in the United States and Ireland. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her dear brothers, John O'Sullivan and Michael O'Sullivan. Her funeral will be held on Saturday morning, December 26, 2020 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104 (please note that masks are required, social distancing must be observed and funeral home, church and cemetery capacity is limited due to state regulations). Her burial will follow the Mass at Saint Michael Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday morning, December 26, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. before the Mass. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Sacred Heart Church Renovation Fund, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave her family online condolences, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com