Maureen A. (Murphy) Cleary, 90 of Leicester passed away November 1st at the Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She leaves two daughters, Elizabeth A. Spagna and her husband, Rocco of McHenry IL; Kathleen M. Cote and her husband, Mark of Boylston and a son John B. Cleary of Salisbury; a sister, Jane Murphy of Worcester; six grandchildren, James Spagna, Grace Villers and her husband, Mark, Teresa Spagna and Samantha, Jason and Dylan Cote; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Bernard, who she was married to for 57 years, two brothers, John Murphy Jr. and James Murphy; and one sister, Arline Koontz.
She was born in New Haven, Connecticut the daughter of John and Helen (O’Toole ) Murphy. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education from Anna Maria College and then continued with her Masters from Worcester State University. She lived in the Dawn Acres neighborhood of Leicester for almost 60 years. She was a Charter member of the Leicester Women’s Club, a member of the Ladies Guild of Saint Aloysius/Saint Jude Church, the Senior Citizens of Leicester and the Leicester Council on Aging.
She began her teaching career at Our Lady of the Angels School then taught for many years at the Leicester Primary School. She was a third-grade teacher for most of her career and absolutely loved it. Maureen was kind and caring and always had a smile to share. She loved taking a drive with Bernie on a beautiful day, going out to dinner and most of all spending time with her family. She enjoyed reading and made the best chocolate cream pie. She was such an amazing mother and the sweetest Nana to her cherished grandchildren.
We would like to extend our appreciation to Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care and love Maureen received.
Her funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 8th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius/St. Jude Church, 491 Pleasant Street, Leicester. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Waite Street, Leicester. Her calling hours will be held on Monday, November 7th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue.