Christine J. (McNelley) Cowan, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Saturday, July 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was 87 years of age.
Christine was born in Boston on December 3, 1935, a daughter of the late Edward McNelley and Beatrice (Adams) McNelley. She grew up in Charlestown where she was educated in the Boston Public School System and graduated from Charlestown High School. Christine worked several jobs throughout her life: as a secretary, as a bank teller for Citizens Bank, and as a candy assembler for Schraffts Candy Company in Charlestown. Christine enjoyed visiting casinos in her spare time and spending time with her beloved family, which she cherished above all else.
Christine is the beloved wife of the late Joseph R. Cowan Jr. She is the devoted mother of Debbie Brennan and her husband Tim, Susan Flynn and her husband Tom, Joseph R. Cowan III and his wife Michelle, and Christine Gray and her husband Stephen. She is the loving Nana to Timmy, Kerry, Corey, Erin, Thomas, Joseph, Joey, Nicole, Connor, Donovan, Brianna, and Great-Nana to Kaleigh, Shae, Ella, Maeve, Lila, Timmy, Evelyn, Noah, and Fiona. She is the dear sister of John McNelley and his wife Mary, William McNelley and his wife Linda, Gloria Horrigan, and the late Mary Coleman, Beatrice Byrnes, and Edward McNelley Jr. She is also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Christine's Funeral on Friday morning, July 28, 2023, at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown. Her burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Her visiting hours will be held on Thursday July 27, 2023, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Christine's name to:
American Lung Association
National Direct Response
PO Box 756
Osceola WI 54020-0756
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