Cecilia (McCarthy) Cleary, 88, of Hyannis, Massachusetts died Monday, August 7th. She was born to the late Bernard and Mary Florence McCarthy, December 11, 1928 in Brookline, Massachusetts. She graduated from Regis College in 1950, and married Donald Cleary in November, 1950. They lived together in Springfield, Weston and Brookline before retiring to Hyannis.
Cecilia was a housewife and mother for 20 years before starting a professional career, first as a mental health counselor at Waltham Hospital, while earning master degrees in Social Work and Business. She became Assistant Director of Maternal and Child Health Care before joining Wide Horizons for Children as an adoption counselor, and a member of their Advisory Board. She helped pioneer U.S. adoptions of children from China and Korea.
Cecilia is survived by her husband Donald, her four children, Brian, Dennise, Maura and Chris, and seven grandchildren – Ryan, Jason, Joseph, Kirsten, Chelsea, Patrick and Sean. She was predeceased by her brother Jeremiah McCarthy, and is survived by Jerry's wife Dennise, and by her brother Bernard and his wife Jane. She will be remembered fondly by many happy adoptive families who she helped over the years.
Visitation will be from 8:30am to 10:30am on August 17th at Doane, Beal & Ames at 160 W. Main Street in Hyannis, Massachusetts, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis. Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church, 347 South Street, Hyannis, MA 02601.
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Sponsored by Doane Beal & Ames.
August 28, 2017
Terri Nobleman
Dear Don, Brian and Jody, and family of Cecilia. We were so saddened to hear about the loss of your beautiful wife Don, and the passing of your Mom, Brian. Cecilia was one of those remarkable special women that lite up a room when she entered. She was compassionate and caring. We are so fortunate to have known her. Don, there are no words, we are so sorry for your loss, Terri Nobleman and Steve Opdyke, Charleston, SC
August 17, 2017
Nancy & Francis Hamilton
Sincere & heartfelt sympathy to you, Don, and all of your family. Cecelia holds a special place in our hearts and she is lovingly remembered. Quite simply, she was a lovely lady with such class. We are honored to have known her and trust she is at peace with our Lord after successfully completing a life well lived. God bless and watch over all of you.
August 14, 2017
Chris Cleary
August 14, 2017
Chris Cleary
August 14, 2017
Chris Cleary
August 14, 2017
Thomas McCarthy
Don and family: Cecilia was a special person. We are sorry for your loss.
Tom and Peg McCarthy
August 11, 2017
MAURA MAILLOUX
August 11, 2017
The Staff of Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
August 10, 2017
Stephanie and Geoff Martha
So sorry for your loss, Chris. Although we never met your Mother, she sounds like an amazing person. Our prayers are with you and your family.
August 10, 2017
Stephanie & Geoff Martha
So sorry for your loss, Chris. Although we never met your Mother, she sounds like an amazing person. Our prayers are with you and your family.
August 9, 2017
My deepest sympathies go out to the family in this difficult time.
August 9, 2017
Pauline Devereux
She certainly will be remembered by many adoptive families. Cecelia made my adoption experience memorable. I even have a picture of her meeting us at the airport when we returned from China. A wonderful person!
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