Devoted to her family, friends and the nursing professional
NORTH READING — Lorraine (Renda) O’Leary passed away peacefully after a brief illness last week surrounded by her family and friends.
Lorraine was a loyal mother and dear friend to many and was always ready with advice, food, and a lending hand. She was a devoted nurse who dedicated much of her career to caring for children and teachers in the Malden Public Schools. She was active in the Teachers’ Union and lobbied powerfully for equal pay for her fellow school nurses.
Born and raised in Malden, Lorraine attended the Cheverus School and earned her degree in Nursing from Boston College where she met and later married the love of her life, John “Jack” O’Leary. They made their home in Malden, raising their their children among their close friends and family members. Lorraine earned her master’s in education from Cambridge College prior to retirement when she and Jack began traveling the world with their friends. Later they moved to North Reading to spend more time with their growing family.
Lorraine was always ready to comfort her family and friends with a quick visit, a delicious recipe or much needed advice to handle any situation and was the focal point of the family.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jack, and her sister, Alvira Picardi. She is survived by her children, Laureen (O’Leary) Kay and her husband Stephen of North Reading; John “Jack” T. O’Leary, III and his wife Carol Ann of Rowley; and Paul A. O’Leary and his wife Lori of Bridgewater.
Lorraine was the cherished grandmother of Andrew and Ryan Kay, Samuel and Jacob O’Leary, and Katelyn and Abigail O’Leary. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
The funeral will be held from the A.J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main St., Malden on Thursday, January 4 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Visiting hours were held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 3. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lorraine’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.