Elaine M. (Sullivan) Kenneally passed away peacefully June 23 with her children by her side. Beloved wife of the late Gerard F. Kenneally. Dedicated mother to Margaret (Meg) O’Neil and her husband Paul of Stoughton, Timothy Kenneally and his wife Kimberly of Foxboro, Terence Kenneally and his wife Elizabeth of Arlington, Erin King and her husband Michael of Wrentham and Eileen Sharkey and her husband Brendan of Marshfield. Cherished grandmother of Emma, Brendan, Abigail and Colin O’Neil; Shannon and Sullivan Kenneally; Caroline, Dennis, Patrick and Elise Kenneally; Sean, Bridget, and Liam King; Gerard and Keira Sharkey. She was the loving daughter of Daniel and Margaret and doted upon by her six brothers, the late Daniel, Joseph, John, David, Philip, and Roger Sullivan. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Newton, she graduated from St. Bernard’s High School. She was proud to go on to graduate from Framingham State Women’s College and subsequently receive her Certificate in Dietetics from the University of Michigan. She worked throughout the years as a Consultant Dietician for many local hospitals and nursing homes and taught nutrition classes at local colleges.
Elaine and Gerard began their married life in Dorchester in 1963 before moving to Canton over 48 years ago in 1972. They were both active members of St. John the Evangelist Parish. Elaine was passionate in her faith and about education. She was part of the inaugural group of parents to form the St. John’s School Association and served in subsequent years as its president. She was later actively involved in the parent associations of the various high schools her children attended. Elaine especially enjoyed her participation in the BC High Mother’s Guild, where she met lifelong friends with whom she travelled and shared time together at their book club meetings. She maintained her active role in St. John’s Parish serving in various ministries as a member the Altar Guild, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Canton Catholic Women’s Club. Elaine loved to sing and act. She was a member of her college choir that travelled to Europe and sang before Pope Pius XII. She continued her love of singing as a member of the St. John’s Parish choir and appeared in shows with the Reagle Players in Waltham.
The Kenneally family offers special thanks to the staff at Cornerstone Assisted Living and Old Colony Hospice for their endless kindness and compassion in caring for our mother.
Visiting hours will be held at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St., Canton on Monday, June 28th from 4 p.m. to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, Canton, on Tuesday June 29th at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, W. Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. John’s School 696 Washington St. Canton, MA 02021 or to St. Vincent DePaul Society Box 265 Canton, MA 02021.