Obituaries 04-30-2020

Joan Burke

Of Chelsea, formerly of Charlestown

Joan M. (Birmingham) Burke of Chelsea, formerly of Charlestown, died on April 18 at the Massachusetts General Hospital from Covid related pneumonia. 

The loving and devoted mother of James M. Burke of Saugus, she was the cherished grandmother of Michael J. Burke of Peabody, loving daughter of the late Thomas F. and Mary W. (Conroy) Birmingham, dear sister of the late Winifred M. Quinn, Eleanor M. Doherty, Margaret A. Doherty, Mary Clare Payne, Thomas F. Birmingham and John J. Birmingham and is also survived by her very dear friend, Sandra Terry of Chelsea and by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.

 A Memorial Mass and family celebration of her life, followed by her inurnment in Holy Cross Cemetery, will be held and announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in Joan’s memory should be directed to the MGH Corona Virus Response Fund c/o 55 Fruit St., Boston MA 02114 or www.MassGeneral.org  Arrangements were given to the care and direction of the Welsh Funeral Home, Chelsea.  We encourage family and friends who wish, to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book or to send a personal sympathy card visit; 

www.WelshFuneralHome.com.

John “Jack” Hayes

Retired Beth Israel Hospital

Account Manager

John A. “Jack” Hayes, 87, passed away on Friday, April 24 at Lifecare Center of Stoneham. 

Born and raised in Chelsea, a beloved son of the late John J. and Helen A. (Hartigan) Hayes, he attended local schools and graduated from Chelsea High School.

He enlisted into the US Air Force, served during the Korean Conflict, was honorably discharged and returned to Chelsea. He continued his education at Suffolk University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in business administration.  

He married Dorothy A. (Surette) and they settled in Melrose 40 years ago.   He worked for many years as an account manager for the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston.  He retired early and became the caregiver to both his wife and mother.  He lost his wife to MS in 1994 and his mother passed 13 years later in 2007.

 In his lifetime, Jack was an all-around Boston sports fan.  He relished following his nephew’s college football career attending each and every game played.  In addition to his parents and his beloved wife of 43 years, he was also predeceased by his sisters and brother the late Patricia Nolan, Elaine Marrotta, Robert Hayes and Eleanor Waitt.  He is survived by his dear brother, James M. Haggerty of Chelsea and is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

A private family farewell was held, followed by graveside prayers and interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101A First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451. Arrangements were given to the care and direction of the Welsh Funeral Home, Chelsea.  We encourage family and friends who wish, to offer condolences at this time by means of the online guest book or to send a personal sympathy card visit; 

www.WelshFuneralHome.com.

Maureen Downey

Devoted to Home and Family

Maureen T. (Adam) Downey passed peacefully from life to eternal life on Friday, April 24 safely home into the arms of her loving savior.  She was 83 years old.

 Born in York, Maine, she was a loving daughter of the late Ralph and Mary (Smith) Adams.  Maureen was raised in Chelsea, attended local schools, studied dance and graduated from St. Rose High School.  She married John F. Downey and together they raised four sons and one daughter in Chelsea.  Maureen was widowed in 2006 after sharing over 49 years of love and devotion with her beloved husband. 

Maureen was very devoted to home and family.  She enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time with her family.  She encouraged her sons’ scouting endeavors, volunteering her time as a Cub Scout Den Mother and supporting her sons as they later continued into the Boy Scouts.  She worked outside of her home as a banking associate and was a familiar counter lady working for many years at Al Zack’s Sub Shop where she was revered by many of Chelsea’s teenagers.  

Maureen never forgot a loved one’s birthday or special event, sending a card, always including a personal handwritten note.  In her retirement she enjoyed travel.  She saved and saved to be able to make special anniversary trips to Hawaii with her husband John. 

In her lifetime, Maureen sang in the St. Rose Choir, enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, herbs and vegetables around her Central Ave home in Chelsea.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Maureen was also predeceased by her siblings: the late Rosalie O’Callaghan, Edward Adams and Joseph Adams and a granddaughter, Brittany Downey.  She is the forever loved mother of Michael J. Downey and his wife, Shirley of Melrose, Robert E. “Bobby” Downey of Dunbarton, NH, Frederick C. Downey and his wife, Arlene of Saugus, Judith Ann “Judy” Downey of Avondale, AZ, and Kenneth P. Downey and his wife, Julie of Malden; cherished grandmother of Scott Downey, Tiffany Palumbo, Janelle Maynard, Shaun Downey, Jillian Downey, Jared Downey, Jianna Downey, Jaden Downey and adored great grandmother of Alyssa, Adriana and Evelyn.  She was the dear sister of Marilyn Nolan of Tewksbury and is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

A private family farewell will be held followed by graveside prayers and interment in Woodlawn Cemetery. A Mass and Celebration of her life will be held and announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in Maureen’s memory may be made to the National Shrine of St. Jude, 205 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606. 

Arrangements were given to the care and direction of the Welsh Funeral Home, Chelsea.  For those who wish, we encourage family and friends to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personal sympathy card, visit; 

www.WelshFuneralHome.com.

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