SHREWSBURY - Ms. Peggyann T. Scanlon (88), died on February 1, 2022. She was born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of Peter and Julia (O'Sullivan) Scanlon, both from Ireland. Her only brother, the late Rev. Peter J. Scanlon, a priest of the Worcester Catholic Diocese pre-deceased her on September 24, 2015.
She was a graduate of the former Ascension High School. She studied at Worcester State College (now Worcester State University) where she earned a degree in Education. She would later earn a master's degree in Library Science from Emmanuel College. She taught at Sacred Heart Parish School in Worcester. Later, she taught at Saint Paul's Cathedral Grammar School where beginning in 1963 she had the unique distinction of being assigned the sixth grade of approximately 40 students. Subsequently, she was promoted along with the same class right through the eighth grade. From St. Paul's she would move to the new Marian High School where she organized its library.
She became a school librarian at the Grafton Street East Middle School and later a Head Librarian at Burncoat Senior High School. At the request of the former Worcester Superintendent of Public Schools, Doctor John Durkin, she became his Executive Assistant. Her skills came to the attention of the former City Manager, William Mulford who recruited her to become Assistant City Manager, a position she held until her retirement. She also served as Executive City Clerk of the School Committee and as a Director of the Worcester Public Library.
She was a Shrewsbury resident for thirty years including the past 15 years as a resident at the Southgate Community Senior Living facility. Following her retirement, she continued her strong personal endeavors in her faith which was always paramount to her. As an educator, another personal endeavor, she continued to coach students. She was always a teacher, and her definition of student was ageless and included anyone with whom she could share thoughts and experiences.
A special thanks and blessings to Sr Mary Ann Bartell who selflessly gave her time and care to Peggyann over the past six-plus years. Peggyann will be missed by many.
Family and guests are invited to gather from 9:00 am until 10:00 am on Saturday, February 5th at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St, Worcester, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Rev. Richard Reidy will be the principal officiant. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple St, Worcester, MA 01604.