Mary M. Kelleher

With sorrow and deep love, we announce the passing of Mary Margaret Kelleher (“Sis”), who passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on October 8, 1936, in Brockton, Mary lived a remarkable life rooted in family, faith, education, and service. She was 89 years old.

Mary was a lifelong resident of Brockton for 87 years before residing with family in Mansfield from 2024–2026.

She was the beloved daughter of John A. Kelleher and Mary V. (Mahoney) Kelleher, and the devoted sister of John J. Kelleher (“Jack”). Mary never married and had no children of her own, but the love she gave to her family—especially her nieces, nephews, and generations beyond—made her a cherished maternal figure to many.

Mary was a proud graduate of Saint Patrick’s School, where she completed her education from elementary school through high school and graduated as part of the Class of 1954, serving as Vice President of her class. She later graduated from Bridgewater State University in 1958.

Education was not just Mary’s profession—it was her calling. She began her teaching career as an English teacher at West Junior High School from 1958–1961. She then spent over four decades at King Philip Middle School, teaching English from 1961 until 2003, and continued to serve as a substitute teacher until 2016. Mary touched the lives of countless students over nearly six decades in education. She passionately encouraged those around her to pursue higher education and lifelong learning.

Known for her intelligence, independence, and quick wit, Mary often joked that as an English teacher she listened to conversations with “a red pen” in her mind, mentally correcting grammar wherever she went. Her humor, sharp mind, and ability to find laughter in everyday moments made her unforgettable to all who knew her.

Mary was a devoted daughter who lovingly cared for her mother throughout her life. She was also a deeply loving aunt to her three nieces and two nephews, caring for them as if they were her own children. Her love extended across generations to her great-nieces, great-nephews, and beyond.

She leaves behind her loving family: Kathleen Owen and her children Jacqueline Hanze, Allie Owen, and Peter Owen, along with great-great-niece Lorelei Hanze; John “Jack” Kelleher and his wife Kathleen, Maureen Fasoli and Peter Fasoli, and their children Peter J. Fasoli and Anna M. Pacitto; Patricia Kelleher-Smith’s children Daniel and Shantii Smith; and James “Jimmy” Kelleher and his children Waylan, Lila, Charlotte Kelleher.

Mary shared an especially close and cherished bond with her great-niece Anna Pacitto, who lovingly called her “Nanny” and considered her a grandmother.

Mary found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends. She loved shopping—especially when buying for those she loved—and looked forward to weekly lunches and dinners with family and friends. She faithfully attended annual reunion luncheons with her classmates from the Class of 1954. She enjoyed the music of Frank Sinatra and the songs of the 1950s, and she was an avid follower of national news and politics.

A woman of deep faith, Mary was a devoted Catholic and longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

Mary’s legacy lives on through the countless students she taught, the family she fiercely loved, and the values of education, faith, humor, and independence that she instilled in everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 4-7pm at the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St (Rte 123), Brockton. Her funeral procession will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9am from the funeral home for her Funeral Mass at 10:30am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 433 West St, Brockton. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Brockton.