Born in Boston, Phyllis Jane McElaney passed away on July 8, 2021, two weeks shy of her 79th birthday.
Phyllis was the beloved daughter of the late William J. Graham and Claire R. Graham (Bergen), and dear sister of Joan Morrison of S. Easton; John Graham and his wife Julianne of Bradenton, FL; Gerard Graham and his wife Barbara of Quincy, MA; Donald Graham of Hyde Park; Stephen Graham of Pennsylvania; and Mary Jayne Graham of Braintree, MA. Devoted mother to Scott and his wife Laura of Norwood; Kelley and Shannon of Allston Brighton; Eric of Los Angeles, CA; and Shawn and his partner Kerry Haufler of South Boston. Cherished grandmother to Claire Rose, Scott, Jr., Joshua and Connor McElaney; Raya Bickerton and Michael McElaney; Dylan McElaney and their families, including six wonderful great-grandchildren. Loving aunt and great-aunt to many more. Joyfully reunited with grandchild Kori Lynn in heaven.
In addition to raising five children and many grandchildren as a single parent, Phyllis broke multiple barriers as a woman without higher education in working her way up the ranks from mail clerk to manager of the Boston Housing Authority. She brought an important perspective to the work as a resident and her children talk fondly of the sense of community and camaraderie they experienced growing up in South Boston’s West Broadway Development (“D Street”). Family and friends remember her joy for life, her infectious laugh, her generosity and warmth. She loved to travel with friends and reminisce with loved ones about life’s adventures, big and small. She was especially proud of raising her grandchildren and being there for her children throughout her life. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral Mass at St. Monica’s Church, 331 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, on July 24th at 10 AM.