Her greatest joy was her family
MELROSE — With deepest love and profound sorrow, the family of Louise M. (Flannery) Sheridan of Melrose announces her passing on September 9 at the age of 87. She was born on July 24, 1938 in Waltham, the daughter of David P. and Lena L. (Brilhante) Flannery.
Louise grew up in a close-knit family and often spoke fondly of those years. The values she carried from that time, love, faith and family, she later instilled into her own. She attended Waltham High School where she began her studies in business.
She was married to her beloved husband Vincent L. Rizzo of Belmont for 27 years until his death in1986. Together, they built a life centered around family and home, tending to both with great care.
While raising her children in Burlington with Vincent, Louise was involved with the Burlington Teachers ‘Association, the Camp Fire Girls Association, the Cub Scouts and teaching CCD along with her children’s other activities.
Her career included positions with Sentry Insurance and Stanton Insurance, followed by serving as Director of Human Resources at American Food Systems and later as a Vice President at De Wolfe Insurance. She was admired for her leadership, professionalism and integrity. At 54, she fulfilled a long-held goal by earning her degree in business from Lesley College.
Louise found love again with Charles J. Sheridan, former Melrose Fire Chief and lifelong resident of Melrose. With marriage, she welcomed his three children and later his two grandchildren into her life. They shared 29 years of marriage until his passing in 2025. They were active in St. Mary’s Church in Melrose where they served as Eucharistic ministers. They enjoyed playing golf and were patrons of the Melrose Symphony Orchestra.
Louise’s active life also included cycling, classes and time with her family and friends. After retiring, her interest in health and wellness led her to work as a chiropractic assistant with the Slak Chiropractic Group where she continued sharing her knowledge and encouragement with others.
Her greatest joy was her family and she devoted her life to surrounding them with love, support and care. She will be remembered for her faith, refined grace and dignity, as well as the kindness, humor and inspiration she brought to all whose lives she touched.
She is survived by son David Rizzo and his wife Beth of Woburn; daughter Marie Rizzo of Melrose; and daughter Jackie Goo and her husband Duane of Gardner; and by stepchildren Michael Sheridan and his wife Kristina of Cornwall, VT; Debbie Sheridan of Chicago, IL; and JJ Sheridan of Waltham.
She leaves her sister-in-law Janet Flannery of Amesbury, wife of her late brother James. She was also predeceased by her sisters Frances Damoiseau and her husband John of Waltham and Joanne Flannery of Eden Prairie, MN; and by her brothers Robert Flannery and his wife June of Burlington and David Flannery of Durham, NH. From Charles’ family, she is also survived by sisters-in-law Marie Copp of Peabody; Kathleen Sheridan of Danvers; Jean Sheridan of Melrose; and Sandra Crowley and her husband Joel of Melrose, as well as her brother-in-law Joseph Sheridan of Raymond, NH. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, September 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 11 a.m. Interment follwed the funeral service in Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Burlington. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were made in Louise and Charles’ name to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073, foodforthepoor.org or to the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 760715, Melrose 02176, melrosesymphony.org. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.