Virginia R. “Ginny” (Fitzpatrick) Flaherty, age 83, of Wilmington, died unexpectedly at home on May 1, 2010.
Born in Waltham, MA, on June 5, 1926, Virginia was the dear daughter of the late Lawrence B. and Anna (Hoey) Fitzpatrick. Virginia grew up in Dorchester and was a graduate of Jeremiah Burke High School. Following graduation Ginny worked as a secretary for the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
She married Martin J. Flaherty on October 2, 1948 and together they shared nearly sixty years of marriage prior to his passing on October 1, 2008. Marty and Ginny moved to Wilmington in 1956 and raised their seven children.
Ginny was employed at that time as the Assistant Manager for Commercial Bank in Burlington for many years. Ginny also worked at the IRS and part-time for Bradlees Store in Woburn.
When Ginny retired she loved to spend her time taking care of her grandchildren; her family meant everything to her. She spoke with each of her children every day just to see what was going on in their lives and she never missed a family occasion or celebration. The grandchildren could always count on their Nana to be there to support them and celebrate their many accomplishments.
Ginny also liked to travel, go to the gym, bowl, and socialize, she enjoyed the many Memorial Day Parades and 4th of July Celebrations that took place in Wilmington just across from her home. She will be remembered for her big heart, her devotion to family and friends, and for her concern for others. Ginny was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and neighbor, who set many wonderful examples to live by. She will be greatly missed.
Ginny was the devoted mother of Anne Urtiaga & her husband Daniel of Alabama, Martin J. Flaherty, Jr. & his wife Janice of Maryland, Janet Flaherty of Maryland, Thomas Flaherty & his wife Donna of Barnstable, Mary Angles & her husband Alberto of No. Andover, Lynne Melaragni & her husband Paul of Wilmington, and the late Jack Flaherty, loving grandmother of Erin Finney, Jeanne Finney, Jack Finney, Martin J. III & Devon Flaherty, Amy Watkins, Thomas Jr., Katelyn & Jaclyn Flaherty, Brianna, Christopher, John, Samuel, & Lucas Angles, Gianna, Isabella, & Nicholas Melaragni, great-grandmother of Thomas Gonzales, Liam, Emma & Kean Dao, and Grace & Aiden Finney, cherished sister of Florence McMahon of Arlington, Richard Fitzpatrick of California, and Robert Fitzpatrick of Quincy. Virginia is also survived by many brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Family & friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, May 6th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Wednesday, May 5th from 4-8 p.m.
Memorial donations in Virginia’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.
Dear Cousins
My heart breaks when I think that your mom is gone. We just had a great lunch together and she shared her stories of Bella’s birthday party, Devon’s and Brianna’s upcoming graduations, Mary and Tito’s trip to St. John and the fun she had staying at their house with the boys, Tommy’s trip to VA. She was a wonderful aunt and I will truly miss her. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love, Paul and Kathleen
Dear Janet,
So very sorry to learn of your mom’s death. She was a lovely lady and although I didn’t know her well, I considered her a friend. Whenever we had contact, either in person or by mail, we enjoyed each other. Our interests were similar and our large wonderful families were our main focus. She will be greatly missed we know. God bless and guide you during this most sorrowful time. Remember to thank God for her as your mom…she and Marty will always be with you all in your heart mind and soul. Love, Ann & Hank Siegfried (Mary’s parents)
A wonderful gift of a woman has been called to be with her Lord. He saw fit to gift us with her presence, love, advice, care, impish (Irish?) sense of humor and funloving nature and now she has returned from whence she came. We will all remember her; her example and spirit will remain in our hearts and in our memories. I count myself among the many fortunate to have been able to throw my arms around Virginia and receive her warmth and love in return.
Dear Flaherty Family,
It is with great sadness I learned of your Mom’s passing on Saturday evening. I had enjoyed many years with your Mom and Dad and their visits to the Cape. Peace be with your whole family.
Love, The Harmon’s
Kathy, Erin, Michael and Andrew
Lynn, and Flaherty family,
I am very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a great lady.
God Bless.
Sharon
Dear Anne and Family!
Remembering your mom, as well as your dad, while visiting us in Germany will always be my first thought of them. How they enjoyed the food… their wonderful attitude! Let’s hope she had a ‘whistle’ on her mind when she stopped to have a nap.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers,
The Warmacks
Our deepest sympathies. Your Mom was always a delight to be around, and proved herself to be one tough cookie— who is able to go up and down the stairs not even a month after knee surgery??!! She always said she didn’t want to be separated from Marty, and you know how stubborn she can be
. I know he greeted her at the gates with open arms. We will miss her greatly. Your family is in our prayers. We will hold her in our hearts with fond memories. We love you.
So very sorry to learn of Virginia’s passing. I knew Virginia (and Marty) for almost 30 years as their banker. Virginia never passed my office door that she didn’t come in to say hi. I loved her stories of her grandchildren and we would talk about the “good old days”. She was a special lady and I feel so fortunate to have had her in my life for such a long time. May God grant her family peace and strength through the days ahead.
Elaine Maninos, The Lowell Five
Dear Mary and family, our deepest condolences to all of you. The first time I met your mother I felt like I had always known her. She had that special way about her. I will always remember our outing at the Laboure house tours and what a great day we all shared. I know that all your memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead, know that we are thinking and praying for you all. Love, Theresa and Tony
Lynn,
I just heard last night your mom passed away. I am so sorry Lynn for you and your family. I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sheryl Smith
Our deepest sympathy to the Flaherty family. Virginia was a very sweet lady.
From cousins
Arthur, Pat, Karen, Dan and Patti Wicks
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
~Alyse Sullivan
My mom was the simply put..THE BEST…the best teacher, advisor and supporter.
She loved life, loved her children and grandchildren deeply.
She was the very soul of our family and will forever be deeply missed.
Love you Mom…. xox